Know Your Rights: Top 10 Employment Laws You Should Know

Do you know your basic workplace rights? Whether you are considering returning to work or you’ve been working for years, knowing your rights and protections as an employee is vital. Familiarizing yourself with employment laws could save you from wrongful treatment or conditions that are detrimental to your family.

That’s why we are excited to share this valuable resource from Anna’s friend Erica DeReyes at Employee Relations Consulting. If you are a mom in the workforce (or plan to be soon), you need to read this guide. Protect yourself and your loved ones with these top 10 employment laws every employee should know.

Top 10 Employment Laws You Should Know

Here is an overview of some of the important employment laws you should know as a working mom:

*Note: This is general guidance for federal employment laws. States may provide additional protections. Also, some very small employers – less than 15 in TX but varies by state - are not subject to some of these laws. Furthermore, this information is not legal advice but for informational purposes only. If you have a question or concerns in any of these areas, please consult with your HR professional or attorney.

1. Protected Categories: Under the law, applicants and employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 and over), disability and genetic information.

2. Employment at Will: An employer can fire an employee at any time for any reason, unless he/she has a written contract that limits such termination. You cannot be fired for any unlawful reason or one which violates public policy exceptions under the law, if any. If you are a member of a protected category and are terminated because of your protected category, that is discrimination and that is unlawful.

3. Discrimination: If an individual is treated differently and subjected to any adverse employment action in any aspect of employment, from hiring to promotion to firing, because of their protected category, it is considered discrimination.

4. Harassment: Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Although sexual harassment gets the most attention, harassment because of any other protected category is also unlawful.

5. The Family & Medical Leave Act: The FMLA provides job protected leave to individuals for the birth/adoption/foster care of a child, an employee’s own, or family member’s serious health condition or military leave. The 3 most important things to know about FMLA: 1. Eligibility: An employer must have 50 employees in a 75 mile radius to be covered by the FMLA. An employee is only covered if they have worked BOTH the last 12 months and 1,250 hours. 2. FMLA provides job protected leave for up to 12 weeks, not income protection. FMLA leave is unpaid under the law – check with your Company to see if they provide any benefits not required by law. 3. You cannot be retaliated against because you took FMLA leave. You must be treated as if you never left. If you would otherwise have been terminated while working, you still can be while on leave (e.g. layoff). RETURNING FROM MATERNITY LEAVE: You must be returned back to your same or similar position.

6. The Americans with Disabilities Act: The ADA requires employers to provide employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of a job, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer. The law is very expansive so many ailments qualify as disabilities. Furthermore, it is important to understand that time off from work may be a reasonable accommodation. If you are new to a job and aren’t eligible for FMLA or you don’t have any paid time off to use, you may be able to request the time off as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. RETURNING FROM MATERNITY LEAVE: If you have used all 12 weeks of FMLA leave, and you need more time as a result of a disability, you may be able to request additional leave as a reasonable accommodation.

7. Retaliation: The number one reason employees do not report discrimination or harassment is due to a fear of being retaliated against (fired, demoted or shunned) at work. Employees must understand that the law protects them against retaliation. In the eyes of the law, retaliation is just as bad as the discrimination, harassment or unlawful conduct itself. The law is written to empower employees to report unlawful conduct.

8. Wage & Hour: If your position is classified as non-exempt, you cannot work off-the-clock, or on your break or during your lunch hour. Also, if non-exempt, you generally must be paid time and a half (1.5x) for any time worked over 40 hours in any workweek. Many employers misclassify employees as exempt instead of non-exempt as the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act can be confusing.

9. Equal Pay Act of 1963: The EPA prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who perform jobs that require substantially equal skill, effort and responsibility under similar working conditions. Title VII also prohibits gender-based pay discrimination in employment.

10. Nursing Mothers: Federal law requires certain employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for one year after the child’s birth each time such employee has need to express the milk. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk.

Whether you’re a mom currently in the workforce or you plan to return soon, it is crucial that you know your rights. By informing yourself of these employment laws, you’ll be better able to protect yourself and your family’s best interests.

For more help returning to paid work, turn to Parents Pivot! Set up a coaching session with Anna for personalized support in all the ins and outs of pivoting back to work.

Time Management for Moms

We learned many valuable lessons about time management this past year, thanks to the Coronavirus quarantine. Those of you who work outside the home and suddenly had to work inside the home may have had to learn how to get everything done with a new routine and schedule. Laundry, dishes, tutoring, mom talks, and dinner still needed to happen even with a pile of work to do. Effective time management became more important than ever!

Now that most of us are settled back into our usual routines, it’s still important. We’re still busy moms with lots of balls to juggle and needs to meet. So, how can we continue to apply the lessons we’ve learned about time management to our post-quarantine lives? Here are some ways to hack the working mom life so you can be successful and satisfied while achieving a healthy work/life balance.

And for those of you hoping to transition back to paid work soon, sharpen these transferable time management skills to showcase your value during the job search process.

Time Management Matters.

Effective time management equates to less stress, enhanced confidence, and more peace in both your work and home life. Utilizing good time management techniques can allow you to get more done in less time, freeing up time for family, rest, or recreation. Working 24/7 is not good for your physical or mental health, so it’s critical to prioritize breaks and downtime when managing your time.

Here are 10 of the best, mom-approved time management tips to consider implementing into your work and family life:

1. Say “no” to unnecessarily stressful offers.

   Now that you’re back to work, your time is more limited. Saying “no” to things you may have done before returning to paid work will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. While there are some obligations that cannot be turned down, be sure to remember that “no” is an acceptable answer. Maybe it’s saying no to volunteering at the community event, or saying no to hosting the next family or friend’s gathering. There will always be next time to say yes.

2. Work in chunks.

   Whenever possible, try to chunk your work into manageable blocks. If possible, put similar tasks together so they are easier to complete. For example, check your email and return phone calls in the afternoon, leaving the important work for in the morning when your mind is fresh and ready to focus. At home, you might consider cooking in bulk to save money and cooking time. Chunking time by using methods like the Pomodoro technique will make work in the office and at home faster and less stressful.

3. Delegate tasks when possible.

   Planning a birthday party? Have a to-do list that is growing instead of shrinking? Trying to find time to get grocery shopping done? Consider ways you can delegate tasks to someone else. If your children are old enough to help, by all means enlist them to contribute to the household chores. If the grocery store is on your partner’s way home from work, ask if you can move grocery shopping off your plate. If you have tasks that you can’t delegate to family members, consider using a home management service. Bevy offers these services in Houston. They will manage everything from cleaning to party planning.

4. Stop aiming for perfection.

   It’s great to have high standards, but don’t let those standards be so prescriptive that the process of attaining them is overwhelming. Decide what is most important in every situation and know that imperfection is OK from time to time.

5. Automate tasks.

   Think about what tasks can be automated. Can you schedule bills to be paid automatically? Need to be on the lookout for drops in airfare costs for your upcoming vacation? These days, so many tasks can be automated to save you time and energy. If you find yourself spending time on repetitive tasks, consider spending the time researching if they can be automated. You’ll thank yourself later.

6. Cut down phone time.

   One of the biggest time sucks for people these days is the smartphone. Sure, it can save a person a lot of time and help connect with people. Be careful, though, that you don’t let the phone keep you from your goals. Use apps to help monitor or shut off access to the apps that suck time from your otherwise productive day. Social media apps are the biggest cause for concern when looking to be more productive with your time.

7. Front load your biggest or most-hated tasks.

   Front loading your work will get the frustrating or annoying tasks off your plate sooner. Consider starting your day by answering emails, if you loathe the task. Put the biggest task at the top of your list so that it gets knocked out and you can move on to more enjoyable tasks.

8. Practice self-care, including eating healthy and resting.

   As you transition back to paid work, be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When stressful times inevitably come along, you’ll thank yourself because you’ll be less likely to become ill and will have more energy and focus to succeed. There’s no substitute for taking care of yourself during busy seasons of life.

9. Use a meal or grocery delivery service.

   There are plenty of meal and grocery delivery services to choose from these days. Consider subscribing to one so you can have delicious and healthy meals instead of going out to eat in a pinch. Some meal delivery services include everything and only require a quick 20 minutes to make the meal.

10. Recognize when you need a break.

    Hard work and dedication is commendable, but constantly pushing yourself isn’t in anyone’s best interest. Sacrificing self-care so you can get everything done will only lead to burn-out, and that won’t be helpful for anyone. Recognize when you need a break so your work time can be more efficient.

It will take time to implement these hacks, so pace yourself and take baby steps to start. Learn what works best for you as you try new things and be sure they also work for your family.

If you need help with your pivot back to paid work in your life, Parents Pivot is here to help! Set up a coaching session with Anna for customized support working through this stage of your transition.

Transferable Momma Skill: Adaptability and Agility

If there’s one thing moms learn how to do pretty quickly after becoming a parent, it’s adapt. Unexpected challenges, changes to plans, and sticky situations are part and parcel to mom life. Learning how to stay flexible and think on your feet is key to responding well to the inevitable stresses, demands, and surprises of parenting.

If you are considering returning to work after a career pause, don’t underestimate the edge this gives you as a potential hire. While vital in the home, this skill is invaluable in the workplace as well. Adaptability and agility are highly sought-after skills, especially in the current work world filled with constantly-changing job environments.

As you prepare your resume and cover letter, be sure to include adaptability and agility in your list of skills. Then, once you land an interview, consider using the following talking points to show potential employers how the ability you’ve honed as a mom to adapt and learn makes you a front-runner candidate for the job.

What’s the Difference Between Adaptability and Agility?

Though adaptability and agility are closely related, they are not the same. 

Adaptability is the ability and willingness to respond to changing circumstances. It involves learning new skills and assuming new behaviors. It requires an awareness of the changes in your environment and the flexibility to respond accordingly and effectively to the new conditions successfully.

Agility, on the other hand, is the speed at which you can adapt and evolve. It is the ability to work swiftly and seamlessly in the face of changing environments, new challenges, and novel situations. It requires an open attitude, clear thinking, and an ability to change course quickly.

They work hand-in-hand, and mothers usually have both mastered. It seems like every week schedules change: naps get dropped, school is on break, or new activities are added to the routine. Acknowledging that these changes affect more than one person, and helping others to adjust to the changes, and quickly, is what keeps our family unit working like a well-oiled machine.  

Positioning Adaptability and Agility As Valuable In The Workplace

Those descriptions sound familiar, right? Think of a workplace team in the same state of mind as your family unit, and you can easily see the similarities. Communicating that skill to potential employers is important for setting yourself up as the ideal candidate, but it’s not always easy to know how to do so. Especially for moms who have taken a longer career pause.

Here are a few ways you can position your adaptability and agility as a mom into a valuable asset that a hiring manager wants in the workplace:

You quickly provide solutions when unexpected challenges arise.

Daily life as a mom is full of sudden changes. Even with the best planning and most effective schedules, unexpected challenges arise. Kids get sick or hurt and need to be tended, babies have blowouts requiring hazmat-level clean-up, and toddlers veer from their nap routines on the most inopportune days. None of this fazes an experienced mom! You know how to go with the flow, recognize what needs to be done, and quickly create solutions to overcome the changes and keep moving forward.

In the same way, when things change in the workplace – a critical team member gets sick, a deadline gets moved up, or the client throws in a new request – you can quickly come up with a solution and creatively move things around to still complete the task at hand. It may not be easy, but you have the adaptability and agility skills to not freeze, but instead move forward with the end goal still in your sights.

You successfully rise to new challenges.

Motherhood is basically one new challenge after another. Regardless of how many books you read or blogs you follow, no mom really knows what she’s doing until she experiences it herself. And from the expected challenges - such as birth or potty training - to the ones you never see coming – like broken arms or behavior issues – you rise to the occasion. You do the research, learn new skills, and face each one with determination and resiliency.

In the workplace, you will rise to the occasion, facing new challenges head on with confidence that you will succeed and overcome. Just with a different strategy than what you were originally planning.

You can work cohesively with a diverse group of people.
Not only can you adapt to new situations and changes to plans, but you are also experienced in adapting to different people. If you have more than one child, you know how to address varied (and often conflicting) personalities and needs. 

Through this valuable transferable skill, you will build cohesion and teamwork in your future place of work regardless of who you are working with. You are skilled at adapting to different personalities and working to find common ground that finds solutions everyone can agree upon.

You are a strong leader. 

When life throws curveballs, your kids look to you to see how to field them. As a mom, your calm, positive example influences their resilience and ability to adapt. You know how to create order out of chaos and guide your family through the unexpected. You exude strength and wisdom.

In the workplace, this will make you a strong leader as you show your team members how to evolve effectively and positively to changing circumstances and new challenges. You acknowledge the hardship, but encourage everyone to think positively and keep going. This type of leadership is contagious, making your entire team stronger because of it.

Other Mom Transferable Skills

Adaptability and agility are key transferable skills, but they’re not the only things you have going for you! There are several other mom skills that translate well to the workplace, such as communication skills, organization skills, and strategic thinking. Be sure to consider those as well when preparing your cover letter, resume, and interview talking points.

Need Support Returning To Paid Work?

Parents Pivot is a great resource for anyone looking for one-on-one and group coaching to set up your transition back to the workplace for success. Contact us today to start the conversation and move one step closer to landing your dream job.

Transferable Momma Skill: Strategic Thinking

Summer is coming quickly and that means that our momma brains are already starting to kick into overdrive. School being out for the summer means we have to prepare for rearranging daily schedules for new extracurriculars, summer camps, and vacations. Even during a pandemic, things change from season to season and I’m guessing you are already in your planner looking at the months and days!

Whether you realize it or not, summer time takes a lot of strategic thinking, planning, and adaptability on your part. And I’m guessing you are knocking it out of the park!

By taking care of all of those logistics for your family, you are using skills that are valued and sought out in the workplace. If you are thinking about returning to work after a career pause, don’t underestimate these important skills that you are developing as a mother. You are likely using strategic thinking every single day inside your home and not even realizing it. 

Hiring Managers and Recruiters will take notice of these skills listed on a resume and cover letter. And once you land an interview, don’t shy away from explaining how your hard work at home will translate into proactive strategic thinking that will benefit their short and long term plans for growth, team building, and collaboration.

Positioning Strategic Thinking As Valuable In The Workplace

It’s not always easy to know how to communicate your mom skills into workplace transferable skills. It’s all about the confidence in knowing what employers are looking for and why you are the perfect person to fill their vacant role.

Here are a few ways you can position motherhood’s strategic thinking as a transferable skill in a way that employers will notice.

It will be rare that important tasks or possible issues will slip by your radar. 

Think of all the things that need to get done on a day-to-day basis around your home. You adapt to ever-changing situations, routines, and schedules and yet little slips passed your mom radar. That sixth-sense won’t just go away when you are at work – it’s not built into your DNA as a soon-to-be working mom. When problems arise or the unexpected happens, you’ll keep moving and catching the balls as they (try to) drop.

You can factor in the interests and tastes of their “target market.” 

It’s rare to have a family where everyone’s interests always align. Maybe your daughter loves outdoor ninja warrior obstacle courses and your son would rather play video games all day. Yet, you somehow find ways to choose family activities that everyone enjoys – or at least mediate compromises and negotiations that keep the peace. As businesses target audiences, decisions will never be made that please everyone. That’s where you come in. You can find the common threads that tie everything together to form a cohesive, streamlined message, keeping in mind what’s important to your “target audience”,  and plan to move forward. Especially if it means getting a little creative! 

You will excel at lining up the team’s moving parts for optimal performance. You are a pro at managing a team (AKA your family) at home. And everyone on your team has different priorities, schedules, needs, and goals. You can line up all of these moving parts to ensure your home is operating like a well oiled machine, placing everyone and everything exactly where they need to be for the best possible outcome.

You aren’t just talk. You can execute the plan. 

When it comes to finding great workers, a key thing that hiring managers look for is whether or not they think you can get the job done. They don’t want someone who talks a good game but then can execute the plan. You, momma, can do both. And do both well. You organize your families schedules, while also making sure your home isn’t in complete disarray. You ensure everyone is well fed, healthy, and active. You plan, execute, and then you adapt when things change. 

Planning For Your Future Career Without Sacrificing Summer Fun

You have more transferable skills than just strategic thinking! When preparing your resume, cover letter, and interview talking points, consider your communication and organization skills too. And as you plan your summer, you can plan for your future career too – without sacrificing fun! 

Need A Support Pivoting To The Workplace?

If you’d like some support from like-minded mommas, Parents Pivot also offers one-on-one and group coaching to set you up for success. Contact us today to start a partnership that will lead to pivoting back into the workplace and your dream job. 

3 Struggles Returners Face and How to Overcome Them

Anna gave a presentation to The Mom Project via LinkedIn around the top 3 Struggles Returners Face and How to Overcome them. Check out the recorded version of the LinkedIn Live to learn more.

5 Signs You Should Consider a Career Pivot

Finding a fulfilling career is not a life event, it’s a journey. For most people, it’s not even a linear process, but rather a series of twists and turns. That’s because what is ideal in one season of life may not be in another. Lifestyles change, priorities change, and physical and emotional needs change.

Knowing that, one of the most valuable insights you can develop on your career journey is understanding when it’s time to pivot. It’s important to know when the work you are currently doing no longer meets your needs and the needs of your family. To help guide you through that process, here are five signs that you should consider a career pivot.

5 Signs You Should Consider a Career Pivot

If you’re wondering whether the path you’re on may no longer be the right fit for you, ask yourself if you relate to the following descriptions:

• You're missing the flexibility to spend time with family. Once you become a parent, your priorities naturally and inevitably change. Your children need you, both physically and emotionally, and time with them is important. If your current career does not allow the flexibility you need to spend time with your family, that is a good sign you should consider a career pivot.

• Your life values have changed. Age, parenthood, and life experience all have a way of changing us. As a result, you likely have different life values now from when you first started your career. If so, and if your new values do not align with your current career, it may be time to seek a new one.

• You are often frustrated by your work instead of being fulfilled by it. If you dread going to work, you feel demoralized or undervalued, or you’re simply performing on autopilot, it might be time for a change. Everyone has days that require a little extra boost to get up and go to work, but when it’s every day, that signifies a deeper issue. If you find yourself frustrated and dissatisfied more days than not, you should consider pivoting to a career that better aligns with your passions.

• Your work is adversely affecting your personal life. Your work should challenge you, but it should not debilitate you. If you suffer from chronic exhaustion, regular headaches, loss of sleep, stress ulcers, or other physical symptoms, that’s your body’s cry for change. If your schedule is affecting your relationships, your loved ones have commented on your stress levels or irritability, or you notice you’re not the person you once were, those are also signs a career change may be in order.

• You daydream about a different career. No job is perfect, and everyone has moments in their career when they question what they are doing. However, if you find yourself pouring over job boards, spending your breaks thinking about what you’d rather be doing, or fantasizing about giving your two weeks’ notice, it’s more than a passing mood. Regularly daydreaming about a different career is a good indication it may be time to pivot.

Even if your current career was once your dream job, life changes. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that the work you’re doing now is no longer the right fit for you. In fact, that’s the perfect next step in your journey of finding a fulfilling career.

If, after reading these five signs that point to a career pivot, you know you need to make a change, reach out to Parents Pivot. We would love to help you find the next career that’s right for you.

5 Ways Companies Can Support Working Parents

Working parents have faced a huge challenge in returning to work during the pandemic.

· Juggling work and education has lead to burnout for parents who have continued to be employed during the pandemic
· More than 2.3 million mothers have left the workforce
· Parents are behind their peers in terms of re-employment as of January 2021

So what should companies be doing to retain working parents? What needs to be considered in the hiring process as we rebuild post pandemic?

I was honored to share my thoughts in the latest version of the Houston Business Journal. See the link to the article below.

Transitioning Back To Work After Maternity Leave

Transitioning back to work after maternity leave is hard. You’ve been out of the flow for a while, and now you’re coming back with a new set of demands to juggle, concerns to prioritize, and logistics to manage. Not to mention the emotional tug-of-war you may feel between your job and your new baby. It can all feel very overwhelming.

A return to work after maternity leave is never easy, but the following tips will help your return be as smooth and successful as possible.

How to Prepare For Your Return From Maternity Leave

As you approach the end of your maternity leave, there are a few ways you can prepare in advance for your return to the workforce:

• Have a childcare back-up plan. You know you will need to find childcare, but have you thought about your back-up plans? Inevitably, there will be days your baby gets sick or your daycare provider is unable to provide his/her services. Establish a plan with your significant other or parenting partner/s for primary contact, unexpected pick-ups, and potential back-up caretakers.

• Schedule your return date. Decide when and how you will return to work. Will you ease back in by working part-time in the beginning, or will you return full-time right away? Whichever you choose, consider working only two or three days in your first week or two. This will ease the transition and help you (and your baby) adjust more comfortably.

• Communicate with your boss. At some point, you’ll want to reach out to your boss to check in and talk about your transition plan. Share your plans for return, communicate your expectations and logistical needs, ask about changes that have occurred while you were gone, and discuss any adjustments to your job responsibilities and schedule.

• Do a dry run with the daycare or sitter. If possible, don’t wait until your first day to leave your baby with the daycare provider or babysitter for the first time. Do a trial run a day or two in advance. This will familiarize your baby with the process and the caregiver, give you a preview of what to expect, and help you work out the kinks before the big day. If you are breastfeeding, you will also want to give your baby opportunities to get used to taking a bottle before your first day apart.

• Prepare for pumping (if you choose to do so). If you will be pumping on the job, make sure you’re prepared for that before you return to work. Know your rights as a working breastfeeding mother, communicate your plan and expectations to your supervisors, and determine where you can pump in your workplace. In the weeks leading up to your return, figure out your pumping schedule, gather all the supplies you’ll need, and practice pumping at home beforehand. If you are in Houston, be sure to check out Work & Mother and see if there is a suite near you!

What You Need to Know About Returning From Maternity Leave

Once it’s time for you to return to work, here are a few things you should expect (and you should know are completely normal):

• It’s normal to experience some anxiety. The initial days and weeks of a return are emotionally taxing. You may experience some separation anxiety, doubts about balancing work and motherhood, and even working mom guilt. That’s normal. Remind yourself that this is a temporary transition and that both you and your baby will adjust.

• It’s also normal to feel excitement. On the other hand, you may feel excited or relieved about returning to work. If you do, don’t feel guilty. It doesn’t make you less of a mom or less invested in your child. It simply means you have another area of life you love and a passion to pursue.

• Reset your expectations. Be gentle with yourself as you ease back into your professional routine. This is a major life transition, and it will take some time to adjust. Be realistic about what you can (and should) give to your job, and adapt your expectations to your new season of life. You may not be the same employee you were before you left, but you can be just as valuable in your new role.

• Be intentional about time with your child. As much as you may love or need to work, your baby is also a priority. Make a plan for how and when you’ll spend time with him/her. Will it be in the mornings? In the evenings? On the weekends? Whenever you can get it, be deliberate about making the most of the time you have with your baby.

• Seek support. Returning to work after a baby can be a tough transition, so don’t do it alone! Seek out support and encouragement from your partner, family, friends, and/or online mom communities. You can even ask advice from colleagues who have walked this road before you. Parents Pivot is also here to help whenever you need it. Schedule a phone call with Anna for a consultation to determine if 1:1 or group coaching is right for you!

Returning to work after maternity leave may not be easy, but with these tips in mind, you can make it as smooth a transition as possible for everyone involved!