Planning your maternity leave can feel like juggling a lot at once. You are preparing for a big life change, but you also want to make sure work keeps running smoothly while you are away. You might be thinking about how to hand over your tasks, stay in the loop without feeling stressed, and make the whole transition easier.



Spending a little time planning now can really help later. Ask yourself what actually needs your attention before you leave and what can wait until you’re back. You don’t need to have everything perfectly sorted out. Just taking small steps now can save you from a lot of last-minute stress.



Notify Your Employer EarlyOne of the first steps in planning your maternity leave is letting your employer know about your pregnancy. Share the news when you feel ready, but try to give at least 3 to 4 months’ notice. This gives your workplace enough time to plan for when you’ll be away.



This is what you can do:

• Arrange a meeting with your manager to discuss your plans.
• Check your company’s maternity leave policies, including paid or unpaid leave options.
• Confirm the dates you expect to start and end your leave. Keep some flexibility in case your baby arrives early or late.

Having this conversation early helps your employer arrange cover for your role. It also shows you’re being proactive.



Create a Solid Transition PlanIf you don’t want your work to pile up while you’re away, you’ll need a clear handover plan. This is your chance to organise your responsibilities so your team can manage without you. A well-planned return to work reduces stress for everyone and makes the transition smoother.



Try these steps:

• List all your current projects, tasks, and deadlines.
• Identify who will take over each task and share all necessary details.
• Meet with colleagues to explain ongoing projects and answer their questions.
• Try to finish or hand things over well before your due date so there’s no last-minute rush.

The best time to start this process is at least a month before your leave.



Set Clear Boundaries During Your LeaveYou deserve to focus on your baby and yourself during maternity leave, so it’s important to set clear boundaries with work. You don’t want constant emails or calls cutting into your bonding time.



Making your availability clear helps everyone stay on the same page:

• Write an automatic reply that tells people you’re on maternity leave and won’t be checking emails. Include the name and contact details of the colleague who will handle your work while you’re away.
• Mark your leave dates in your work calendar and let your team know about any last commitments.
• Pick one trusted colleague as your emergency contact, but make it clear that you only want to be reached for urgent matters.
• Stay fully disconnected if you can. This avoids confusion and lets your team take full ownership.

Prepare Financially for Your Time AwayIt's a good idea to plan your finances early so you’re prepared for extra baby-related expenses.



Consider these tips:

• Review your company’s maternity pay structure and how long it lasts.
• Save a portion of your income each month to build an emergency fund for unexpected costs.
• Create a budget that accounts for baby expenses (like nappies and clothes).
• If you’re in a relationship, discuss finances with your partner to share the load and plan together.

Train Your Team for SuccessYour colleagues will likely handle your work while you’re on leave, so helping them feel confident is a win for everyone.



Preparing them well reduces the chance of problems while you’re away:

• Train team members on your tasks or create detailed guides for them to follow.
• Share a list of key contacts and resources they might need.
• Be available for questions in the weeks before your leave to clarify anything unclear.
• Have short meetings to make sure everyone feels ready before you go.

Think About Your Long-Term FinancesMaternity leave is a great time to think beyond the immediate months and plan for your family’s future.



Small steps now can make a big difference down the line:

• If you’re on paid maternity leave, your employer continues contributing to your employees’ provident fund (EPF) based on your salary. Make sure you understand how it’s calculated.
• If you plan to take unpaid leave or additional time off beyond your maternity leave, consider contributing to the public provident fund (PPF) or other savings schemes to avoid gaps.
• Make sure your family’s health insurance covers all members and includes maternity-related benefits if needed.
• Think about saving for your child’s education or other long-term financial goals.

Even small steps now can help you feel prepared for your growing family while making the most of your maternity leave.



Planning your maternity leave ahead of time really helps. Keep your team updated with short daily messages and leave clear notes about where things stand. Doing a little prep now makes your time off less stressful and more enjoyable for you and your family.



Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.



FAQs on Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Maternity Leave

What are common mistakes to avoid when planning maternity leave?

A common mistake is leaving handovers until the last minute. Another is not communicating clearly with your manager or colleagues about your leave dates and responsibilities.

What is the duration of maternity leave in Indian offices?

In India, pregnant individuals are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for their first two children under the Maternity Benefit Act. For the third child onwards, maternity leave is 12 weeks.