Maternity Leave and Salary Increments: Should We Adjust Appraisal Timelines?

Hello,

I am working in an IT company. We do salary increments once a year during the employees' service anniversary. One of our employees took 5 months of maternity leave, i.e., 3 months with salary and 2 months without pay (LOP). Should we extend her appraisal period to 3 - 5 months as she was on leave during that time? Is it ethical to do so, or should we give her increment based on her service anniversary? Please share your thoughts.

Thank you.

In government service, one should not be on leave (other than casual leave) on the date of their increment. So, check with your organization's service rules.

Generally, the date of release of the annual increment is also extended equal to the period spent on leave without pay. If the present case is on medical advice, then it should not be extended as it is beyond the control of the employee concerned.

An employee on leave receives leave pay and, therefore, an annual increment if it falls during maternity leave should only be given upon her return to duty.

I think your company is doing its appraisal based on performance and days actually worked. If the employee has worked for the full year, and her appraisal can be done in her absence, then it probably makes sense to give her the increment. If not, then it is logical that she will get the increment after she resumes work, with the appraisal taking place then, including her changed ability and focus to work at that point. The decision will also depend on how important it is to retain the employee. If it's important, then it's better not to risk annoying her and just give the increment anyway.