Work and Preparing for Parental Leave
Finding out that you’re having a baby is a golden moment. After first hearing the news and sharing
it loved ones, we think about how our lives will change and what happens next. There are a number
of things to consider for working parents-to-be. This article covers some common questions about
preparing for parental leave.
When is the best time to let your employer know about the news?
Some people wait until around the 12-week mark or after their first visit with their doctor. However,
some may tell their boss earlier or later. In my own experience, I was very ill early on, so I told my
boss sometime between weeks five and six of my pregnancy. For me, telling my employer this early
helped him understand why I was ill. The meeting went well and I was happy with my decision to tell
my boss early.
The rest of the staff knew about the news by the time I went on pregnancy-related sick leave. My
work colleagues understood how my pregnancy affected my availability at work (eg. why I was
coming in late or on sick leave). My work team planned effectively for the months ahead.
Will my work situation be affected before the baby is born?
Generally, under normal circumstances, no. However, there are some instances in which pregnancy
can affect work life prior to parental leave. According to the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme,
an employee who has to refrain from working for a certain period due to hazardous working
conditions/environment is entitled to pregnancy benefits from the time she stops working.
This should not reduce one’s entitlement to paid maternity leave (eg. the period from when one
must take maternity leave to when maternity leave ends). This also applies to self-employed women.
One’s work situation can also be affected by a pregnancy related illness.
What if I have a pregnancy related illness that affects my work?
According to the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, an insured person who has an annual
income of at least NOK 37,821* is entitled to daily cash benefits in the case of sickness if he/she is
incapable of working due to sickness. This also applies to pregnancy related illnesses. As a general
rule, you must have been employed for at least four weeks.
Daily cash benefits for employees equal to 100 percent of pensionable income, and these benefits
are paid from the first day of sickness for a period of 260 days (52 weeks). Daily cash benefits in
the case of sickness are paid by the employer for the first 16 calendar days, and thereafter by the
Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
*The income figure is based on information from the 2011 version of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
What form does my boss need if I am on sick leave due to pregnancy?
Your local doctor can give you the forms necessary for your boss and for the Norwegian Labour and
Welfare Service (NAV) regarding sick leave. You also should get to keep a copy of the form.
If you are on sick leave, it is important to discuss with your doctor, midwife or any other health
professional about what they think of your situation and if they could advise what can help you get
back into the workforce whilst taking care of yourself and your unborn baby. In serious cases, your
doctor and midwife (including any hospital staff or other healthcare professional, if any are involved)
may advise against you going back to work until after the baby is born (and of course, after your
parental leave ends).
Where does sick leave and parental leave fall in the Norwegian system?
All residents with residence permit in Norway usually are members of the Norwegian National
Insurance Scheme. This governmental scheme for social security allows people the right to pensions
and benefits for unemployment, pregnancy and birth, single parental care, sickness and injury,
disability, old age and death.
Will I be entitled to parental leave and for how long?
You and your partner are entitled to paid parental leave if you were employed for at least six months
of your pregnancy (this also applies for adopting a child below the age of 15). Paid parental leave
in which you receive 100 percent of your salary will be 47 weeks for children born on or after July
1, 2011. Paid parental leave in which you receive 80 percent of your salary will be 57 weeks for
children born on or after July 1, 2011. For people who are adopting, the benefit will be 44 or 54
weeks, respectively, for children adopted on or after July 1, 2011.
In the case of multiple births, the parents are entitled to full daily cash benefits for five more
weeks (seven weeks with reduced rate) for each child exceeding the first.
Is my partner entitled to parental leave too? Will it also be paid?
If both you and your partner are entitled to daily cash benefits (eg. you were employed at least six
months of your pregnancy), 12 weeks of paid parental leave is reserved for your partner if your child
is born on or after July 1, 2011. The remaining period may be shared between the parents.
What if I don’t qualify for paid parental leave?
Women who do not qualify for parental benefit will receive a lump sum grant of NOK 35,263. This
amount may change in the future, so it is best to check with the Norwegian National Insurance
Scheme, which the Norwegian Parliament tends to regulate annually.
Who will do my job while I’m on leave?
Your employer can hire someone else to work in your role during your parental leave. The details on
who to hire (external vs. internal) is something you and your boss can talk about. There is a number
of working parents-to-be who are asked to be involved in the recruitment and training process.
The recruitment and training process can take place quite early (eg. in the second trimester of your
pregnancy). However, each work environment varies with their hiring and training.
What should I discuss with my boss about parental leave?
You can talk about how long you want to be away on parental leave and when you want to return
to work. It is up to you and your partner when deciding how you share your parental leave – some
mums prefer to come back to work earlier while others prefer to come back later within the 10 or 12
months of leave. You can also discuss if you want to take paid leave with 100 percent of your salary
or paid leave with 80 percent of your salary.
Your boss may also want an idea of when your baby is due – usually, around week 18-20, the hospital
will provide an ultrasound with an estimate of your due date. This is written in your pregnancy
document that you take with you to each check-up with your midwife or doctor. Your baby’s
expected due date will also be needed when filling your application for parental leave.
When should I apply for parental leave?
You should apply well in advance (at least three months) before you go on parental leave. This is so
that your local NAV office can assess your application in a timely manner.
Who pays for my parental leave?
This is something that you and your employer need to discuss. Some workplaces will take care of the
salary and will be reimbursed by the state. Others would prefer that NAV pays directly to you. Either
way, you will still get paid parental leave.
Are there other payments additional to parental leave payment?
Shortly after your baby is born, you will automatically receive another type of payment
called “barnetrygd” (child benefit payment). This type of payment is also for those who are not
entitled to paid parental leave (ordinarily it is about NOK 970 a month). Most people do not need
to apply for child benefit (but there are a few exceptions – you need to check with NAV if you are
unsure). If the child was born in Norway, the mother is usually automatically granted “barnetrygd”
roughly two months after the child is born. You must inform your local NAV office if you want child
benefit to be paid to the father.
What forms do my boss and I need to fill out for parental leave?
You need to fill out a form when applying for your parental leave. Your boss also fills out a form,
which is also sent to NAV. These forms are found on the NAV web page on forms relating to families.
The form that your employer fills out is under the “Arbeid” section on this page. The form you fill out
is under the “Familie” section (there are different forms – pick the one that works for your situation).
You can also go to your local NAV office or ring them for more information and advice. These offices
may also have hard copy versions of the forms.
Where do I take the forms for them to be processed?
You should send your application to your local NAV office when it has been filled. Your employer will
also do the same. You can either send your application in the mail or drop it in person. If you are
unsure about how things are going with your application, it doesn’t hurt to give NAV a call before you
go on parental leave.
When do I start paid parental leave?
The mother must start their parental leave three weeks before the baby’s due date. This is
compulsory. It is also required that the mother takes at least six weeks leave immediately following
the baby’s birth. In the case of adoption, no part of the benefit period is reserved for the mother.
What happens when I go on leave?
It’s time for you to relax, prepare for the baby, and enjoy your time. Your employer should not
expect you to do any work for them during this period. Once your baby arrives, you can let your boss
and colleagues know of the birth – sms, email, or phone call. It is not uncommon for your employer
to send your family a gift (eg. flowers) and/or a card when they hear of the news. You may even get a
visit from a work colleague during your leave.
Once you feel ready to venture out with your baby, you may want to pop in for a short visit to your
work so they can see you and the baby. You may want to keep in touch with your employer and
colleagues (eg. email, phone call, going for lunch) – this is up to you.
Many Norwegian work environments are very supportive about staff members going on parental
leave. Your priority now should be your baby, not your work. It’s a time for you and your baby to
bond and develop a healthy relationship. There will be another article later soon about returning
to work from parental leave and adjusting to being back at work.
*Please note that the information above is general and does not cover specific circumstances, which may vary.
Related articles
• Having a Child
• National Health System
Useful websites
• Norwegian Social Insurance Scheme 2011 (in English)
• NAV parental leave forms (in Norwegian)
• NAV film on parental benefits (with English subtitle)
• NAV advice on applying for parental leave (in Norwegian)
• NAV’s online advice service on parental leave (in Norwegian)
Stavanger Expats ‘Having a Baby in Norway’ Series
Part 1 – Finding Out and The First Appointment
Part 2 – Private Ultrasound and the 2nd Doctor’s Appointment
Part 3 – Routine Ultrasound and Meeting the Midwife
Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages
Part 5 – What You May Need and Where to Buy Them
Part 6 – Freebies Galore and Memories of Your Journey
Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital
Part 8 – Labour and Delivery
Part 9 – After Your Delivery
Part 10 – Activities for You and Your Baby in Stavanger
Part 11: Budgeting for a New Baby
Part 12 – Parental Leave and Your Job
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About Estelle Pettersen
Estelle is an Australian who has been living in Norway since June 2006. She is married to a Norwegian and has two children. She has worked in journalism, integrated marketing communications, and as a senior strategy consultant in both the public and private sectors. Estelle loves reading, writing, history, travelling and spending time with her family. She has written published material resulting from her studies (MBA) and her work. She wants to keep writing, learn new things, and improve her Norwegian skills.
2 comments
Lani Cantor
Jul 28, 2011
Hi! Just curious, but I’ve heard that you need to be in Norway for at least 6 months of your parental leave. Does anyone know what the rules are surrounding leaving the country during your parental leave?
Estelle
Jul 29, 2011
Hi Lani, that’s a really good question. According to NAV’s Q&A page on parental benefits, there is no requirement to stay in Norway while you’re receiving parental payment. As long as you meet the conditions for parental benefits, you get the payments regardless of if you reside in or outside Norway during the period in which you receive the benefits. However, you cannot work overseas during this period (parental leave) to get the full benefits. I hope this answers your question.