Among all the essential privileges offered to women employees, maternity leave application stands out at the top. Through maternity leave a woman gets the assurance that after childbirth she would have enough time to rest and look after her baby while not having to think about anything related to her employment. Regardless of your being employed by a government department or corporation it is vital for you to know how to apply for maternity leave.
What Is Maternity Leave?
The maternity leave is defined as an official period of absence from work provided by an employer to a woman worker either before or after the delivery of her baby. In many countries maternity leave is a protected statutory right that enables both the mother and her child to remain safe while guaranteeing employment security for the female worker.
Government Employees
Maternity leave for female government employees is provided for almost up to a period of 90 days (3 months) subject to a limit of three instances during the employment period of the employee. This period may be available before and after childbirth, as recommended by a medical practitioner. An application for such leave should be made to the appropriate head of the department in advance and must be supported by a medical certificate stating the expected date of childbirth.
Private Sector Employees
The workers in the private sector are also eligible for maternity leave as per the labor laws which can vary depending upon the province and the employee’s employer. Usually in most instances the worker in the private sector enjoys a total of 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, six weeks prior to delivery and another six weeks post delivery. However some firms especially the multinational ones provide maternity leaves that are greater than the stipulated requirement as part of the fringe benefits of employment. The employee has to fill out the form and submit it with a medical certificate to the human resource department or the immediate supervisor.
How to Apply
The maternity leave application must always be professional to the point, and backed up by appropriate documents. Below are the main elements that go into a good maternity leave application form:
- This will give an indication of the purpose of the application
- A greeting addressed to the relevant authority
- Here your designation and other information can be stated
- Mentioning why you’re applying for the leave
- Stating the date which you expect your baby to arrive
- The period for which leave is expected
- Asking for payment during leave as per rules
- Mentioning the arrangements for transferring work
- Mentioning the attached doctor’s certificate
Maternity Leave Application in the Government Sector
To,
Head of the Department,
[Organization Name]
[Date]
Subject: Request for Maternity Leave
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hereby apply for leave due to my impending childbirth as prescribed by my physician. I will give birth on [Expected Date]. I will take leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] according to the policy.
During this time I will ensure that all my duties are taken care of. I will make sure that I do all my unfinished work before taking leave. Moreover I will make proper arrangements for handing over my duties.
I would kindly request you to provide me with my salary and other benefits during this period. I have enclosed the related medical documentation for you.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
[Designation]
[Contact Information]
Application for Maternity Leave for Private Company Employees
To,
The Manager,
[Company Name]
[Date]
Subject: Application for Maternity Leave
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to formally apply for maternity leave considering my pregnancy and birth is due on [Expected Date] as per advice by my doctor. I seek to take leave between [Start Date] to [End Date] as per the company policy.
In this regard I would like to mention that I will be managing my tasks before I take leave and will be handing over my responsibility to some other person who will continue to manage my responsibilities.
I also request you to grant my salary and other allowances during this period as per company policy.
Thanking You.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Designation]
[Your Contact Details]
Maternity Leave Application Prior to Delivery
To,
The Manager,
[Company Name]
[Date]
Subject: Maternity Leave Prior to Delivery
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am hereby requesting for maternity leave beginning from [Start Date] till the day of my delivery [Due Date] as per the policies of our company. This time period is crucial for me so that I can take care of my well being and prepare myself for the delivery.
In order to facilitate smooth functioning during my absence I shall make sure that all my pending work is done and I have properly handed over my responsibilities. I will also stay available for any emergent situation if the need arises.
Kindly let me know if there are any more formalities needed from my side for this purpose. The required medical certificate is enclosed for your kind perusal.
I will be highly obliged for your approval in this regard.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Details]
Post Delivery Maternity Leave Application
To,
The Manager,
[Company Name]
[Date]
Subject: Application for Maternity Leave Post Delivery
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to officially apply for maternity leave after delivery of my baby on [Date]. I wish to take a leave of [Number of Weeks/Months] to concentrate on my recovery as well as my newborn baby’s.
Prior to my leave I have made sure that I have handed over everything related to my work in order to ensure an uninterrupted flow of work while I am on leave. However I shall be available should there be any emergency.
Should there be any more formality regarding my request kindly let me know. I have attached the necessary documents regarding my request for your reference.
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Designation]
[Your Contact Details]
Tips Before Applying
It is essential that one goes through the leave policies of his/her organization before making an application for maternity leave. One should apply in advance, take photocopies of the documents related to the application and ensure that his/her application is accepted officially. It is also important that employees know whether there are any other advantages apart from the paid maternity leave.
Conclusion
Maternity leave is the fundamental right of all women employees. With knowledge of the legal provisions and timely application for maternity leave, one can easily sail through the whole process.
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