We have an employee who is 36 weeks pregnant. She went to the Dr. on Monday which they advised her to go on bed rest with inducing to be happening next week. She did not listen to them and is at work. I have a meeting scheduled with her today to find out her intentions so we can have a replacement for while she is out. My question is what are our responsibilities in holding her job? Many people seem to think that she will not be returning after the birth (Our office seems to be a rumor mill) We are not covered by FMLA as we only have 16 employees. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Florida does not have a state maternity leave, so if you are not eligible for FMLA your only responsibility is to treat her the same way you would treat a similarly situated employee who needed back surgery or who had pneumonia.

My two cents??? I would require her to leave immediately and fax or bring the medical certification from her doctor. Either he put her on bedrest (and having her there is a HUGE liability for you) or he did not and your indication that the rumor mill is alive and well is correct.

Either way, I would want something from the MD in order to make the best determination for this situation.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. Although being placed on bedrest she asked if we needed her to come in today. I told her she needed to stay home and I need a Dr's note. I am to expect a fax from her Dr today. Thanks for everything! This board has really been helpful for a newbie to the HR arena!