When a family learns that they are expecting a child, the news can often bring about a sense of elation. For some women, however, the news may also cause apprehension as they wonder how their pregnancy may affect their employment. Though employers should not discriminate against expectant mothers, pregnancy issues in the workplace are not altogether uncommon.
California residents may be interest in a study that has examined employers’ reactions to news of their employees’ pregnancies. The information in the study indicated that employees are more likely to continue working and thriving in the workplace after the births of their children if their employers had a positive reaction to the news. In many cases, positive reactions to take place, and workers are often relieved.
Unfortunately, there are also instances in which supervisors or managers may react negatively toward the news. In such cases, employees often feel taken aback and feel less willing to continue working in their current environment. Of course, there may also be instances in which workers receive negative treatment from employers due to being pregnant, which could fall into the category of discrimination.
If California workers have faced pregnancy issues in the workplace, they may wonder how to handle the predicament. In particular, if workers have been fired or otherwise negatively affected simply due to expecting a child, they may have reason to take legal action against their employers. Individuals who are concerned with this type of predicament may wish to speak with knowledgeable attorneys to determine whether filing legal claims could suit their specific circumstances.
Source: Slate, ““I’m pregnant.” Why your boss’s reaction may matter more than you think.“, Rachael Ellison, Dec. 1, 2017