Paternity Leave
Rahul and his wife Priya are expecting their first child soon. He talks to HR and his manager about taking paternity leave to be with his family after the baby is born.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask When is your wife's due date?
- Answer She is due in the third week of next month.
- Ask Are you eligible for paternity leave here?
- Answer Yes, all full-time employees are eligible.
- Ask How many days of leave duration do you get?
- Answer The policy allows two weeks of paternity leave.
- Ask When should you notify HR about this?
- Answer I need to notify them at least a month in advance.
- Ask Have you prepared a handover plan for your team?
- Answer Yes, I've already shared it with my manager.
- Ask Do you want to be present for the delivery?
- Answer Yes, that's very important to me.
- Ask Will you need a flexible schedule after you return?
- Answer Yes, just for the first couple of weeks.
- Ask Can you extend your leave if needed?
- Answer I can use some annual leave if I need more time.
- Ask Have you completed the paperwork for HR?
- Answer Almost, I just need to submit one more form.
- Ask When do you plan to return to work?
- Answer I'll return to work in mid-August.
Dialogue
RahulMa'am, I wanted to share some good news. My wife and I are expecting our first child.
Ms. KapoorThat's wonderful news, Rahul! Congratulations to you both.
RahulThank you, ma'am. I'd like to discuss taking paternity leave around the due date.
Ms. KapoorOf course. You should speak with HR about the exact leave duration you're eligible for.
HR RepresentativeHi Rahul, congratulations! According to our HR policy, you're eligible for two weeks of paternity leave.
RahulThat's great. Should I notify you as soon as I know the exact date?
HR RepresentativeYes, and please complete the paperwork on the portal beforehand.
RahulI will. I'm also preparing a handover plan so my team isn't affected.
Ms. KapoorThat's very thoughtful of you. Take the time you need to bond with your newborn.
RahulThank you so much for the support, ma'am.
Common mistakes
- Saying "my wife is pregnant of our first baby" instead of "my wife is expecting our first child" — the natural phrase uses 'expecting.'
- Saying "I want father leave" instead of "I would like to apply for paternity leave" — 'paternity leave' is the correct fixed term.
- Saying "the baby will come on" instead of "the due date is" — 'due date' is the standard term for the expected birth date.
- Saying "I am eligible of leave" instead of "I am eligible for leave" — the preposition 'for' is used after 'eligible.'
- Saying "inform to HR" instead of "notify HR" or "inform HR" — 'inform' does not take 'to' before a person or department.
- Saying "come back office" instead of "return to work" — a preposition and correct phrasing are needed.
Quick quiz
1. What does "expecting" mean in this context?
2. What is a "due date"?
3. Complete: "He wants to ___ with his newborn."
4. What does "eligible" mean?
5. What is a "handover plan"?
6. Complete: "He plans to ___ to work in mid-August."
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