How Should We Handle Early Maternity Leave Requests When Work-from-Home Isn't Possible?

I need a small advise on “Maternity Benefit”. We have the policy of 3 months maternity benefit for our female employees. We recently have a case from one of our female employee. She has been taking leaves for a while now. Her due date is somewhere in Jan 2017. And she wants to proceed on a maternity leave Since 1st Nov 2016.
The kind of work which she does, will not be in a position to allow for the work from home option. What would you suggest in such scenario.

Hi Manju,

You cannot prevent her from going on maternity leave. However, the best way is to discuss the matter with her to arrive at a mutually agreeable situation where her tasks can be handled or delegated accordingly.

I am not familiar with the laws of India, but in our case, maternity leave cannot be taken without a confinement letter from a medical practitioner stating the due date for delivery. By law, it is three calendar months for maternity leave, unless it is not a natural birth, in which case an additional 2 weeks are granted. She needs to be counseled regarding the procedure for maternity leave and how she can take it. In some instances, she can use her accrued leave if she has any, but I believe discussing it with her will be helpful.

Thank you.