Managing Pregnancy at Work: Ethical Considerations During Company License Renewal

Hi,

I am new to this forum. I work in an overseas recruitment consultancy. Only four employees work here - including the MD, Business BDM, receptionist cum admin, and me - as a recruitment executive. I have been working here for three years and have a very good relationship with the management. Now, I am on my way to starting a family (expecting). The company has been lenient enough to allow me to work sometimes from home. The company's license is under renewal, so we cannot hire any new employees. I am not sure when the license will be renewed.

I have been facing a lot of health issues due to morning sickness. Please advise, would it be ethical to leave midway without giving notice or without providing a replacement?

Praveen

Dear Praveen,

Firstly, congratulations and I wish you a very healthy and successful tenure during your pregnancy.

Regarding your query -

It is never advised to leave the organization midway without completing proper exit formalities. Since you have been with the company for 3 years, what you can suggest to them is that due to health issues, you are unable to continue with the current work pressure, and they may need to find a replacement. Attach a medical certificate and request an early relief. If you know of any friend or acquaintance who can fulfill your role, you can refer them to the company.

Always remember that maintaining professional behavior in every situation will benefit you in the long run. Your professional approach will earn you positive points if you consider returning to work (either here or elsewhere) after having your child.

Best wishes again.

Thank you, Ms. Ankita, for your advice. However, as per the UAE labor law, no employee is allowed to work without a labor card. The company cannot issue a labor card unless their trade license is renewed.

[QUOTE=Praveen Kaur;2077308]Thank you Ms. Ankita for your advice. But as per the UAE labor law, no employee is allowed to work without a labor card. The company cannot issue a labor card unless their trade license is renewed.

Your firm is UAE-based? But even if it is, I think the operational office in India will be following Indian employment rules. I think we should wait for seniors to reply as well... Nonetheless, you can draft your resignation (if you're unable to work). I don't think any law will have bonded employment or can force someone to tender the service even if it has an adverse effect on health...

You can mention that your health issues are having an adverse effect on your job and vice versa and hence would like to quit. You intended to be working last on so and so date. Hope this helped.

Dear Praveen,

It appears that you have clubbed two issues. One is your health issue, and the second is the renewal of the company's labor license. Will it be possible for you to give notice and work from home until that time? You may even work for half a day rather than a full day. This approach will strike a balance between your needs and the management's requirements.

In the meanwhile, if the labor license expires, the employer-employee relationship will cease to exist automatically. So, why bother about your job after the labor license expires? The renewal of the labor license is out of your purview, and you have no control over it.

Ok...

Dinesh V Divekar

Hi,

I would suggest you transfer your knowledge and some work to the receptionist (if she is competent) and probably train her until your company gets the license renewed. Since you would have a helping hand, you can work part-time, maybe later in the day (due to morning sickness).

Wishing you good luck on the journey of becoming a mother.

Regards,

Thank you so much for the advice. Probably, I guess I need to just focus on my health issues rather than thinking of the company. I do not know by when the trade license will be renewed. I just wanted to be clear on my moral grounds. Thank you everyone for your prompt feedback.