Returning from Maternity Leave: Can You Still Get That Promotion in HR?

Dear seniors,

If a person has been working as an HR in a company for 2 years, and has gone on maternity leave, would she be eligible for a promotion when she returns?

Thank you.

Promotion and Leave Considerations

Promotion is an advancement of an employee in their career to the next higher level of hierarchy in the organization, as per the service regulations of the establishment. Since the hierarchy is pyramidal in structure, the promotion of an employee from a lower cadre is always determined by the employer based on several factors, either individually or in combination. These factors can be broadly classified into two aspects: seniority and suitability.

In my opinion, any authorized leave, including maternity leave, cannot adversely affect the promotion of the employee if she is senior and/or otherwise suitable.

Regards