Maternity Leave

Maternity Leave is a period of authorized absence from work granted to female employees before and after childbirth to recover physically, bond with their newborn, and adjust to motherhood. This employment benefit is protected by law in most countries and typically includes job protection, salary continuation or benefits, and the right to return to the same or equivalent position. Maternity leave duration, eligibility criteria, and compensation vary by country, organization policy, and applicable labour laws, making it a critical component of employee benefits and workplace compliance.

What is Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is a statutory entitlement that allows expectant and new mothers to take time off work surrounding childbirth without losing their job or facing penalties. It covers prenatal care, delivery, postpartum recovery, and early childcare responsibilities. For HR professionals, maternity leave matters because it ensures compliance with labour laws, supports employee well-being and retention, promotes gender equality, and demonstrates organizational commitment to work-life balance. In India, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017) governs maternity leave, mandating 26 weeks of paid leave for women in establishments with 10 or more employees. Proper maternity leave management involves understanding legal requirements, processing leave applications, managing benefits and payroll during absence, planning workforce coverage, and facilitating smooth return-to-work transitions.