How to announce to your team that you or your partner are expecting a baby

Key takeaways

• Prepare to talk about how your business will run once baby is born
• Think about telling people your news as soon as possible.
• Make sure your team and clients know what your news means for them.

Announcing that you're having a baby or adopting is a pretty big moment. Most of the time, it's full of joy and excitement.  

As a business owner, it can be a little more challenging. In some cases, you're the beating heart of the business, and people may feel a sense of uncertainty with your news. This is particularly so if you intend to be away from the business at the time of your baby’s arrival. They may turn inwards and ask themselves, 'what does this mean for me / my job / my supply chain'. Whether you're informing your team, clients, or suppliers, there are a few strategies you can use to allay any potential fears, so all that's left to do is revel in this happy moment.  

Prepare  

Before you make a company-wide announcement or spill the beans to your suppliers, plan how the business will run once you've had the baby. Depending on the type of business, you have a few options. You might temporarily close if you're a sole trader (e.g. a personal trainer or accountant), someone might step in and help out, or you might not take leave at all. Not sure what to do? The delegation template is a useful tool to help map out your parental leave plans.  

Even if you are not the parent staying home with the baby, chances are you’ll want to be there to support your baby or your partner if needed. So while you may feel there isn’t much to prepare for, it’s worth setting things up so that you have the options to step back more or less, depending on what’s needed at home. 

Start early   

How soon should you tell your team or clients? It depends. Generally speaking, six to eight weeks' notice should be sufficient for some clients and suppliers. But bear in mind any supply chain issues or headaches this may create for them. Allow more time if your suppliers will be heavily impacted, if clients will have to find other resources, or if you will temporarily close down. For team members, where you have them, you may want to tell them sooner. Many parents-to-be are unwilling to share their news before they hit the three-month pregnancy mark or are well into the adoption process. So strike a balance between what works for you personally, the business, and your professional relationships.   

Reassure  

As soon as the excitement of your news dies down, employees or clients may be thinking about what this means for them. Tell them you're aware of how this might affect them, and reassure them you'll take steps to mitigate disruption as much as possible. If you shared the news in person, you might want to follow up with an email outlining your leave plans and let them know you have an 'open door' to discuss any concerns now or in the future. 

Sample scripts to share your news 

Below we’ve provided scripts to cover both telling your team, and sharing your news with clients and/or suppliers. Remember, these scripts are a guide only, and should be adjusted to your own personal circumstance. It’s important to put your own personal touch on your announcements so that they feel genuine.  

Announcing to your team in-person, at the end of a team meeting  

"Before we all get on with our day, I have some personal news to share. Some of you might've noticed I've been [a little preoccupied lately/feeling a little green], and I'm thrilled to share I am pregnant/adopting a child!  

“I know my news may raise concerns about what this means for you and your workload. Rest assured, I have asked [this person] to step in to cover/I am working on a robust cover plan while I get up to speed on how to care for a newborn/get to know my baby.  

“I plan to go on leave in [month]. There'll be plenty of time to plan [projects/timelines/schedules], so I don't anticipate too much disruption. I’ll be working through the cover arrangements in the coming weeks, but please feel free to chat with me about any concerns that may arise in the meantime."   

Announcing to your clients / suppliers via email 

Dear Clients, 

My partner and I are [adopting/expecting our first baby] in [month]. If everything goes to plan, I will take leave from [month] and be back on deck [month].   

During this time, I am handing over the reins to [cover name]. Please email [cover first name] for any new [quotes, queries about existing builds, bookings], or urgent matters from [date].   

From [month], I intend to take my leave flexibly, meaning I will work remotely and assist in running the business on the admin side as needs arise. I will be monitoring emails at least once a week during this period. 

Example 1: If we have an open project/contract with you when I begin my leave, rest assured [first name] and the [company name] team has been briefed and will continue to deliver to our high standard. If you have any concerns about your project's completion, don't hesitate to get in touch.  

Example 2: To make sure your locks remain in tip top shape during my leave, [name] will be taking my appointments for me. Rest assured she comes highly recommended and is the only person I trust with my own hair, so you’re in good hands! 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this email. I look forward to working with you until I go on leave and again upon my return. 

Thank you for continuing to support the work we do.   

Sincerely, 

[Name]