Maternity leave means I can’t get a good candidate. Help!

Dear Aunty B

One of my senior managers has gone off on maternity leave and has stated that she will take a full year’s leave, so we have to keep her job open.

We have advertised for her position and got very average people applying for the job because it is a maternity leave position. I have had to put someone in that job who has been in the position for eight months, is doing a very second rate job and who I need to move on. I have been delaying that decision because I thought the woman was coming back.

But I have just heard through the grapevine that she is applying for other jobs with my competitors and has no intention of coming back. This has made me furious. I am holding a job open for her that I know would attract great candidates if it was a proper full time job and not a maternity leave position.

What can I do?

LG
Perth

Dear LG,

It’s difficult. On the one hand employees want to support working mothers. But on the other hand we need working mothers to support us by being clear about their intentions. Now, of course some new mums often don’t know their situation until after the baby is born. They may have a sickly baby and decide they need to spend more time looking after its care. They may decide to come back earlier because they are going nuts changing nappies.

So the idea is to stay in contact with mums and update them on your situation and get updates on their situation.

If I was you, I would do this. Give her a call and ask her for a coffee.

Tell her that of course you are following all legal procedures and are holding the job open for her and you will continue to do so. However, explain honestly your situation and ask her for her intentions. Make the discussion friendly and open and make sure that she understands that you will always fulfil your legal obligations to her – and also want her back. But it would also help you to know her plans as soon as possible.

You might be surprised at the outcome.

Good luck,
Your Aunty B