For an employee, announcing at work that they’re expanding their family is a huge deal. While it can be an exciting time, it can also trigger concern about how their coworkers will react and the impact it might have on their career. Your response as their manager can set the tone for future conversations, so it’s important to help employees feel comfortable and reassured of your continued support through this period of change.

There are three easy things you can do:

  1. Set aside time to have a conversation with the employee about when and how to announce at work that they’re expecting a child, as well as support them through the early stages and next steps of their work journey.
  2. Have a non-biased and empathetic style conversation.
  3. Arrange for the announcement to take place and set up future conversations in preparation for their parental leave and/or life as a working parent.

As a manager, you’re responsible for empowering the team member to feel in control and supported in the coming months. This conversation guide will help you both work through the details you need to consider and what outcomes you want from your meetings and the months ahead.

Download your in-depth conversation guide here.