Pregnant and Stuck: How to Handle a Company Move When Your Work-from-Home Request is Ignored?

I have been working in a company for the past year. Currently, I am 6 months pregnant.

In February 2020, I was informed that my company is relocating to a new location. I was also presented with a retention bonus letter and asked to join the new site. I explained my situation and mentioned that due to my pregnancy, I wouldn't be able to travel such a distance, so I requested to work from home for 2 months before going on maternity leave. At that time, I was assured that they would assist me with this.

As the company's relocation date is rapidly approaching, I have sent numerous verbal reminders and emails, but I have not received any response from them. What should I do?

After the first trimester of pregnancy, a female employee is expected to officially inform her employer. A female employee covered under ESI is required to submit a medical certificate from the ESI doctor, while a non-ESI employee is expected to submit a certificate from a certified gynecologist.

In your case, when the company informed you about the relocation of their premises, you disclosed your pregnancy. However, this disclosure cannot be considered as official information.

I recommend that you submit an application providing details of your maternity. Attach the medical certificate to the application and await the company's decision.

Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar

Hi Dinesh Divekar,

Thanks for your reply. I am concerned if the company can terminate me or ask me to resign. What if I send an application again and don't get a reply? I am very much concerned.

Dear member,

If your company tries to terminate you, we will provide a sound solution for that as well. However, at this stage, give them official information about your pregnancy. Don't be too concerned. It's not good for your health at this stage.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi, around 15 days ago, I emailed my company's HR and team lead regarding my pregnancy and requested to work from home until my maternity leave. However, I have not received any response yet.

Company Relocation and HR Communication

My company is currently located in Noida and will be shifting to Gurgaon. The HR in Noida mentioned that the HR in Gurgaon is willing to allow me to work from home, but the management there is taking time to respond to emails.

The company's relocation process is scheduled for 2nd March 2020, and there is very little time left. I am feeling worried about the situation.

Thank you for your response.

Hi,

If possible, please get that assurance in writing from your Noida/Gurgaon HR. Also, just send them a reminder email and wait for their response for a day or two. I can understand your anxiety at this moment; try to calm down and take necessary steps with a relaxed mind. Take care.

If about 15 days ago you informed your company about your pregnancy and your ability to work from home, and if no reply has been received, then you may send a reminder to the company. When the company changes its place of operation, many issues are involved. Therefore, the top management could be busy with the smooth transition or maintaining the continuity of operations. Given this context, the application of a pregnant employee may not receive high priority. However, their silence should not be interpreted as an intention to remove you from the job. Please wait for a reply.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi,

I just learned that tomorrow, on 28 Feb (the last working day in Noida), the company will ask a few people to resign, and I am one of them. What should I do now?

Hi Dinesh,

I have not received any warning or been told that my performance is not up to the mark. In fact, I got a retention bonus letter for good performance in February, as I had mentioned in my first post.

Today is the last day of our Noida office. I spoke to our Noida HR yesterday late at night. She said the company won't do so. In case anything negative happens, I will definitely give you a call.

Again, thanks for your help!