Babies make problems in the office

Q: I manage two women who are mothers of similarly aged babies. I am a mother myself and work full-time, so I understand the juggling involved in having a career and raising children.

   One of the women has inconsistent day care. She is trying to get another day-care situation, but there is a waiting list at the centre her older child attends. Also, she does not call to give me a warning when she is bringing the child in - I hear the baby's noise and realise she is here. This is starting to affect the woman's job, as she is on the phone a good deal. If the baby is crying, the other workers are disrupted and have to handle the mother's duties.

   I think I need to say something, even though the woman knows this is not a sustainable situation. It is not fair to the other staff, who I am sure would love to have their babies here too. I value the woman as an employee, and I don't want to lose her, but I also want her to know that it cannot go on.

A: It's a shame your employee doesn't realise how good she has it. I'm sure this day-care situation has her stressed, but many employers would have sent her home the first time she showed up with a baby without first asking whether it was okay. She is taking advantage of your understanding nature, and the resentment her behaviour is causing is undermining productivity in your office.

   You need to handle this quickly, before you lose your temper or get in trouble with your own supervisor.

   Sit down with your worker and calmly explain your concerns. Emphasise how much you value her as an employee - and even empathise with her situation - but make it absolutely clear that this cannot continue. Next, give her a deadline to arrange for more reliable care. At the very least, she should have a regular backup sitter. It's unfortunate that she hasn't found a place at her preferred centre, but we can't always get what we want. You need to make it particularly clear that she has to get your permission before bringing the baby into the office.

   Next, approach your supervisors about looking into ways to help parents with the juggling act. Subsidised, on-site day care may be the Holy Grail for working parents, but it's not the only option. Perhaps your organisation could arrange for backup care at a nearby centre.

   Finally, consider an official policy that encourages flexible scheduling or working from home.