As a working parent planning for a parental leave, it’s essential to address the potential scenario of reviews and promotions occurring during your time away from work. Your professional growth should not be hindered because of your commitment to family. We will discuss proactive best practices and tips to demonstrate commitment to your professional growth and help you navigate possible reviews and promotions during a parental leave.
Reviews and Promotions on Leave
Not all companies still do these reviews, but annual reviews or promotions typically occur at set intervals within a company, often coinciding with the end or beginning of a calendar or fiscal year. These evaluations are crucial moments for career advancement and feedback, but can be another layer of complexity as you’re planning a parental leave. So, what happens if you’ll be on parental leave when they are scheduled? Are you required to complete a review on leave? Or do you miss out? These are valid concerns and questions, so first let’s review protected leave.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR GUIDANCE. POLICIES VARY BY STATE AND COMPANY.
Protected vs Unprotected Leave under FMLA
If you are taking parental leave that is protected by either federal law, like Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or the state equivalent, then you are entitled to any promotions or salary increases while on job protected leave. FMLA does not provide any pay or continuation of salary, but leave entitlements do require the continuation of health insurance. However, if you do not meet the requirements for FMLA, then you may be on unprotected leave or company policy.
Company Policy
Some companies have a policy in place that doesn’t offer state or federal job protection, but allows employees to take time off under a company policy. Usually, these policies include the duration of time allowed and any continuation of benefits or pay, if applicable. Sometimes, these policies also explain how promotions or reviews are handled while on company policy.
Whether or not your parental leave falls under FMLA or company policy, you will need to speak with your manager and/or HR department to confirm and review relevant policies and applicable laws.
Don’t forget that you have access to Leave Concierge, who can help you understand your parental leave.
Tips to Help You Plan Ahead
After you’ve identified whether you’ll be on job protected leave, try to gather information regarding the timing of these reviews and promotions to understand when these assessments are scheduled before going on leave. You may not always be able to schedule parental leave around this key milestone, so addressing your rights and company policies around potential reviews and promotions during parental leave can ensure continued professional growth and advancement.
Communicating with Your Manager:
If you will be on a leave of absence during a review or promotion, it’s essential to take proactive steps and discuss the possibilities and expectations with your manager. Here are a few tips to communicating with your manager:
Establish Open Communication: Starting with your direct manager, build a relationship of trust and open communication by discussing your plans and goals before leaving. Keep the lines of communication open during your leave to stay informed about any changes or potential opportunities.
Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define your responsibilities and the work you expect to accomplish before and after your leave. This helps manage expectations and ensures a smooth handover.
Request Periodic Check-Ins: Agree with your manager on periodic check-ins during your parental leave to stay informed about any important updates, including reviews or promotions. Unless both you and your manager or new or they are just establishing annual reviews, these are usually planned far in advance and happen around the same time of the year.
Reaching Out to HR:
If your manager doesn’t have answers to your questions or able to provide a timeline for you, you may need to reach out to your HR representative. If that’s the case, here are some tips to help you plan ahead:
Understand Policies: Try to familiarize yourself with your company’s policies and leave entitlements regarding reviews and promotions during parental leave. This knowledge will provide clarity and enable you to ask the right questions.
Proactive Dialogue: Initiate a conversation with HR to inquire about any reviews or promotions that may occur during your leave. Most employers will refrain from contacting employees while they are on leave, especially if it’s protected by federal or state law. So if you’d like to be involved in the process while on leave, discuss any adjustments or accommodations that may be necessary, such as rescheduling the review for when you return.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all interactions and agreements regarding performance evaluation, reviews, promotions, and any accommodations made during your leave. If you’re choosing to learn any new skills or investing in any professional development, keep track of those too!
Proactive Steps
Preparing for a parental leave can be overwhelming, but knowing how an annual review or promotion will be handled while on leave can help you focus on your family. By taking proactive steps, such as establishing open communication with your manager and HR, setting expectations, and staying informed about company policies, you can navigate this situation with confidence. Remember, your dedication to your family should not overshadow your commitment to your career. With careful planning and effective communication, you can successfully balance both aspects of your life.
