Notifying the workplace

Telling your workplace you’re expecting can bring up mixed feelings.

Many people describe feeling excited and relieved, but also nervous or anxious about how their news will be received and what it might mean for their work and career.

How and when you share the news at work can shape how supported you feel in the months ahead.

“I was really nervous about telling [my employer] … I don’t really know why, but I was.” (Mathilda – Employee, 10-49 staff)

“I was really open with my manager about the whole process… it took about six years to have my daughter, and I had multiple miscarriages… and I told my boss about those… So, he’s known about everything that’s gone on… As soon as I knew I was pregnant, I said to him I was pregnant… I was absolutely fine about telling him, because I’ve been open about the whole thing.” (Magdalena – Employee, 50-249 staff)

Employees describe a mix of emotions when notifying the workplace that they are expecting a child, ranging from excitement to relief, but also including nerves and anxiety.

Timing: When to Share the News

There’s no single “right” time to tell your workplace. This depends on your health, personal circumstances, and the culture of your workplace.

Some types of work involve health and safety risks, so it’s important to let your employer know early.
For many people, the 12-week scan is a common point to share the news.
Others wait longer, especially if they’re worried about fair treatment or missing out on opportunities (see Job insecurity and negative career implications).

Letting your employer know earlier can help them plan ahead, but the timing should also feel right for you.

Fathers and non-birth parents

Some fathers and partners wait longer to tell their workplace about parental leave plans, often because they expect to take less time away from work. This can make later planning harder and can sometimes lead to awkward or negative reactions. If you’re a father or partner, sharing your plans earlier can help avoid this.

“The dads are a bit more difficult. They either don’t tell you or they tell you really late… And it’s like, ‘hang on a minute, there’s a process to follow’. So, I think promoting more of our family-friendly policies would be good to encourage the guys to speak to us a bit more.” (Maya – Employer, 10-49 staff)

How to share the news

Most people start by telling their direct manager, often in an informal conversation, and then follow up in writing. In very small organisations, this may be a conversation with the founder or business owner.

Choose a quiet, private moment to speak to your manager first, then follow up in writing with your expected dates.
You might find this helpful: Template letter to tell your employer you are pregnant
If you’re worried about how to start the conversation, see How to start a conversation on a sensitive topic.

“I did it quite early on to my manager who is the founder of the company. I was quite nervous about it because I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be… I didn’t really plan a meeting… I was just looking out for a good opportunity.” (Ella – Employee, 10-49 staff)

“I informed her verbally and then I did a written letter with my intention of when my final day at work might be.” (Sian – Employee, 10-49 staff)

Supportive practices

How an organisation responds when someone shares their news sets the tone for future conversations.

Your employer should:

Not make comments about timing or inconvenience
Offer congratulations and avoid language that could feel judgmental
Invite you to share any immediate concerns or needs
Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss details (who to speak to, what happens next)
Make space for fathers and non-birth parents to talk about their plans
Not show visible stress, frustration or concern

What can you do to help?

You shouldn’t feel pressure to tell your workplace before you’re ready. But once you feel comfortable, letting your employer know earlier can help them plan ahead and can make later conversations about support and leave smoother.