https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:32:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-378871 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:16:42 +0000 Adira 378871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MungBean is correct - FMLA just protects you so that your position (or a SIMILAR position) is available for you when you come back. It doesn't even guarantee that you work on the same stuff you did when you left or with the same people or in the same office. It just protects you so that you'll have a job to come back to - one that is similar in position and pay as the one you left.</p> <p>Sorry you have to deal with this. Sounds like a total bummer. Also, your boss's attitude sounds unpleasant. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-378846 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:10:32 +0000 LazyLightning 378846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think there's any protection from this type of thing. This happened to a MALE friend of mine - he literally came in to work and was told he'd have to move from his private office in to a room with several other people, the room is basically the same size as his old office was and he even has to share a desk now. </p> <p>If this happened to me I'd consider quitting too (or if you can't take the hit financially, start searching for new employment so you don't have to endure it for long). It's maddening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-378305 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:49:37 +0000 MamaCate 378305@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@roccoandkirby: what do you think 'the ball is in your court' means? is she encouraging you to leave? or hoping you will come back and argue for your office back?</p> <p>I think pps are right that fmla requires them to keep your job/similar job but that logistics like office space are not included. I am guessing you would have lost your office even if you were not out on leave if this is a new policy? </p> <p>How frustrating--i am so sorry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-378293 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 23:44:34 +0000 pinkcupcake 378293@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I believe fmla provides job protection in that you are entitled to your job or another similar position...I don't believe your work station has to remain consistent. Sorry about your situation... Sounds really unfair :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-377562 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:37:19 +0000 blackbird 377562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your job is protected but the way the office is laid out is not...they have the right to make you share offices or cubes or do anything like that, I believe. The fact that you actually have an office is big--most big companies relegate their employees to a cubical system. Maybe they are just trying to save more money? But if it has been shown to make people more effective and work-focused, then you just kind of have to go along with it. =\</p> <p>I don't think you're necessarily being treated poorly, though. The company is restructuring. </p> <p>In fact, in my state, I don't believe your particular job is protected. They are just required to provide you a similar position and same pay within the company. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-377555 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:32:42 +0000 SweetMamaM 377555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure of the laws of your specific state but most maternity leave obligations are tied to not violating your contract. Was your office space listed as part of your contract? Unfortunately, this isn't the first case I've heard of where a company can't get you to leave outright, so they'll just make things so unpleasant for you that you want to leave :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-377554 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:32:28 +0000 mamimami 377554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Legally I have no idea but I imagine it's ok since they didn't take away your job. Personally I so have experience with this. Last time I was on maternity leave they restructured my area and opened up a position above me (basically giving me a new boss who took on several of my responsibilities). It sucked but it wasnt illegal. They didn't cut my pay or anything. Then again, im not in the US so I don't know.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/changing-your-work-conditions-while-on-maternity-leave#post-377534 Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:03:28 +0000 roccoandkirby 377534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if your work is allowed to change your work conditions while you are away on maternity leave?</p> <p>While I was away, my boss took my office away and informed me that I am now to share my office with another co-worker. She claimed that they found out they were able to get more work accomplished and more efficiently this way. While I was trying to ask her why this is happening, she actually put her hand up to shush me and told me this was the way things were going to be done and when I came back from maternity leave, the ball is in my court.</p> <p>Is she allowed to do that? I thought your job was protected while you were away on maternity leave and they weren't allowed to change anything. I work for a big company in PA. I want to quit (and my husband is completely behind me on this) because I think its ridiculous the way I am being treated, especially after being with the company for 11 years, but part of me thinks I will be a better mother if I work. </p> <p>Has anyone experienced this? What did you do? </p>