One more month

Shadow Amara first. She asks for something big in a calm, clear way: the reason, then the request, then "if that's possible." Practice that order until it feels natural. Then take Daniel's part. HR calls should sound warm and exact at the same time; stress the facts: "unpaid", "three extra months", "protected".

1. DanielHi, Amara. It's Daniel from HR. You wanted to talk about your leave?
2. AmaraHi, Daniel. Yes, thanks for calling back. I'm supposed to come back on the first of June.
3. DanielThat's right. How are you and the baby doing?
4. AmaraWe're good. Mostly good. But her daycare near our apartment in Toronto doesn't have a place until July.
5. DanielAh. So there's a gap of about a month.
6. AmaraExactly. I'd like to extend my leave until July, if that's possible.
7. DanielLet me look at your file. Your paid leave ends in May, so the extra month would be unpaid leave.
8. AmaraI expected that. Is it allowed?
9. DanielYes. The policy allows up to three extra months unpaid. Your manager signs off on it, but that's usually a formality.
10. AmaraI've already mentioned it to her. She was very supportive.
11. DanielGood. There's another option, too. Some people ease back in with two or three days a week at first.
12. AmaraPart-time? I hadn't thought of that. Would I be paid for those days?
13. DanielYes, for the days you work. It's quite common. Some parents find it better than a full return.
14. AmaraMy partner could take Fridays for a while. So maybe three days a week in June, then full-time in July?
15. DanielThat could work. Why don't you talk it over at home and email me which option you prefer?
16. AmaraI will. Either way, do I keep my same role?
17. DanielAbsolutely. Your role and your team stay the same. That's protected.
18. AmaraThat's a relief. Thank you, Daniel.
19. DanielOf course. And congratulations again. Send me that email whenever you're ready.