Sometimes a pregnant woman or someone who has just given birth needs some help to get her job done. This can be a difficult conversation. You may feel nervous asking for help. In comes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which goes into effect on June 27, 2023. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act gives workers a right to appropriate and reasonable … [Read more...] about What does the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act mean to you?
Know Your Rights at Work
What does the PUMP Act mean to you?
Nursing can be difficult for any mother, doubly so for working mothers who have to worry about spending long periods of time away from their baby and have to pump at work. In December 2022, the federal government responded with the PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) for Nursing Mothers Act. The act went into effect on April 28, 2023. How does this act help … [Read more...] about What does the PUMP Act mean to you?
How to Ask About Compensation
Asking for an adequate wage may feel awkward, but you are owed an income proportional to your education, skills, experience, and the area you live in. Being prepared for your interview — or follow-up interview — can make a gigantic difference in your compensation. What is compensation? Essentially, it’s a salary or hourly wage. The word “compensation” makes very clear … [Read more...] about How to Ask About Compensation
The Business Case for Breastfeeding
Why should employers offer women the means to breastfeed while working? The benefits truly outweigh the costs for both mother and employer. What do lactating working mothers need? The lactation essentials at work include: A private space with a door that locks (not a bathroom)Breast milk is food and should be prepared with appropriate care.There could be a designated … [Read more...] about The Business Case for Breastfeeding
Pregnancy & Contagious Illness: Know Your Rights in the Workplace!
Did you know that women, and disproportionately women of color, are on the front lines during every respiratory virus season? According to the Center for Economic Policy and Research, nearly two-thirds of frontline workers are women and people of color, who are overrepresented in industries such as: We know these workers are at risk, but what if they are … [Read more...] about Pregnancy & Contagious Illness: Know Your Rights in the Workplace!
How to Confront Sexual Harassment
Confronting a potential incident of sexual harassment can be difficult. There are times confrontation is not possible, in which case going directly to the supervisory chain is preferable. And remember to document, document, document. However, it is amazing how much one can handle at the lowest level, having a conversation to let people know what is and is not acceptable. When … [Read more...] about How to Confront Sexual Harassment
What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?
In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Large Company?
What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?
In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Medium-Sized Company?
What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?
In determining how any size employer accommodates families, a good place to begin is Feminists for Life’s Family-Friendly Workplace Evaluation, from “Raising Expectations in the Workplace.” This tool helps to identify what policies, resources, employer and community support, and communications strategies employees and employers can use to work together. Among the issues covered … [Read more...] about What Are Your Rights with a Small Company?
How to Start a Military Career
A military career can be an excellent opportunity for many women seeking a career. There are various branches of the military to consider, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Joining any branch of the military is a serious decision, and it is not a field to enter into without careful thought and consideration. However, it also important to remember … [Read more...] about How to Start a Military Career
How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions
When preparing to go to your employer to make your job harmonize better with your situation as a parent, keep in mind that any changes will be more attractive if you can demonstrate that the new policy will benefit the company. And preparation here is key. First, know what policies are already in place. Talk to human resources or get a copy of the policy manual to study. It … [Read more...] about How to Work with Your Employer for Family-Friendly Solutions
How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy
THE FACTS: Talking to your Employer about a Pregnancy What the Law Says: Your Rights The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) forbids discrimination based on pregnancy when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits—such as leave and health insurance—and any other term or condition of … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Your Employer About Your Pregnancy