On Monday, it was discussed that it is typically acceptable to offer different maternity leave benefits for employees at separate employer locations (such as a corporate office versus store locations). Further, it was noted that it is generally acceptable to have varying policies amongst employees, so far as the policies are applied within the parameters of the law (i.e., not discriminatory).

If as an employer you are going to structure a different policy for different employees, it makes sense to do so based upon a clear distinction such as full/part time status, exempt/nonexempt, job group or even department.  Also, when approached by an employee who is inquiring about maternity leave, it is generally best to have the employee set up a meeting with your company’s HR Director or personnel to discuss privately all options and to make sure there is clear understanding of the pending leave.  If there is…