Parental Leave of Absence
Me: “So if I can summarize am I correct in saying that the review process does not take into account that I will have less time to complete objectives and also have a loss of momentum due to the (six week) parental leave of absence?” HR representative: “Exactly.” Me to blind: What?! this is not how it was when I used to work at tech companies... is this typical at banks??
😂 you think all companies are like tech?
They certainly took it into account here. I got top reviews both times I took parents leave, and didn't really scramble either.
Are you an HR rep or your boss's best friend? This sounds like BS, based on what I've heard and read about working at Goldman
Hahaha banks are not tech companies. Go ahead and take parental leave, it doesn't matter. The space shuttle launch will go ahead without you.
I think this is a fair question to ask and raise beyond your HR rep. I generally find that if you can find the right sponsor, the desire to change is real at Chase.
Any suggestions as to whom to approach? My HR rep’s boss?
I’d go to your manager, try to get that person to help find an MD (if your manager isn’t one) who has some influence to help. It sounds like a stupid policy (if it actually is one)
Call the HR hotline and ask them. I would say you feel what you’re being told would constitute discrimination based on family leave and familial status, and see if there is anyone who can help you. Chase must have an employee relations function, right? That team should be able to clarify with the business and the HR function how leave should be handled.
As someone who took 12 weeks off last year (2 at the beginning and the remaining 10 when wife went back to work), it did not affect my review at all. I documented all successes and milestones both before and after leave. In total, I worked 7.5 months last year and got the same bonus and better raise than the year before.
Also I never once talked to my HR rep. It was all handled by my manager. You've obviously got time planning with your leadership and setting realistic expectations for deliverables. Take the time off. You will never get it back and it passes too fast.
HR does not represent employees. They are there to protect the company. The ranking system has more to do about politics and popularity. Leave may be a factor, but it may not. Deoends on the team.
Thank you everyone for the feedback and advice!
Banks aren’t tech companies no matter what they’d like to think and their culture is different.