Should I Cover My Colleagues Pregnancy Leave? AITA for Refusing?

A 28-year-old woman refused to cover her colleague Sarah’s maternity leave workload, and now her office is acting like she committed a crime.

OP works in a small marketing agency where everyone’s already juggling too much, and Sarah just announced she’s pregnant. Their boss told OP she would have to pick up Sarah’s tasks once maternity leave starts, even though OP has her own heavy workload and upcoming projects already stacked up.

It all came to a head when Sarah asked privately for help, OP said she couldn’t cover everything, and the boss turned that refusal into a whole office tension spiral.

Original Post

I (28F) work in a small marketing agency alongside my colleague, Sarah (30F). Sarah recently announced her pregnancy and our boss informed me that I would need to cover her workload once she goes on maternity leave.

This news stressed me out as I already have a heavy workload and upcoming projects. Sarah approached me privately, expressing her concerns and asking if I could manage her tasks while she's on leave.

I felt conflicted since I didn't want to overburden myself. Despite Sarah's plea, I told her I couldn't commit to covering all her work and suggested she speak to our boss about hiring temporary help.

Sarah seemed disappointed but understood. Our boss, however, was not pleased with my response and implied that covering for Sarah was part of my job.

Now tensions are rising in the office, and I'm unsure if I made the right decision. Am I the a*****e here?

The Fine Line of Workplace Expectations

This situation really highlights the tension between professional expectations and personal boundaries. The original poster (OP) faces a dilemma: should she prioritize her own already heavy workload or step in to support a colleague during a significant life event? It’s a complex situation that resonates with many in the workforce who find themselves juggling their own responsibilities while being asked to shoulder additional burdens.

What's particularly striking is the office culture that seems to expect employees to prioritize team needs over personal capacity. This can lead to resentment and burnout, especially when the request feels less like a team effort and more like an obligation. Who decides where the line is drawn between teamwork and individual well-being?

Comment from u/cat_lover99

Comment from u/musiclover23

Comment from u/pizza_quest_RPG

OP tried to handle it calmly with Sarah after the pregnancy announcement, but the boss’s “it’s part of your job” attitude made it feel less like teamwork and more like a takeover.

When Sarah asked OP to manage her tasks during leave, OP didn’t just say no, she offered a specific alternative, temporary help, which still somehow made her sound selfish.

This is similar to the nurse who refused to cover pregnant colleagues’ shifts, choosing her own well-being.

Why the Community is Divided

The comments on this Reddit thread really show the spectrum of opinions on this issue. Some users empathize with the OP, pointing out that covering for a colleague on maternity leave shouldn't fall solely on one person, especially when the workload is already overwhelming. Others argue that it’s part of being a supportive coworker, especially in a tight-knit environment.

This division sheds light on a broader conversation about workplace fairness and the expectations placed on employees, particularly women. It raises questions about whether it's fair to assume that one person should take on the extra burden, particularly when the request comes from a colleague rather than a direct supervisor. The moral grey areas here—where personal and professional lines blur—are what make this story so compelling.

Comment from u/travel_bug2021

Comment from u/coffeeholic88

The moment OP told Sarah she couldn’t commit to covering all her work, the “private concern” conversation turned into office-wide stress because their boss was watching the fallout.

Now with tensions rising between OP, Sarah, and the boss, the real question is whether OP’s refusal was a boundary or a betrayal in a small agency where one absence can wreck everything.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

The Takeaway

This story underscores a growing tension in workplace dynamics: should employees be obligated to support each other, even at the expense of their own well-being? The conflicting opinions from the community reflect how deeply personal and professional responsibilities can intertwine. As workplaces evolve and more people advocate for healthier boundaries, it’s crucial to consider how we can foster supportive environments without overburdening individuals. What do you think? Is it reasonable to expect someone to cover for a colleague's maternity leave, or does that expectation need to be reevaluated?

What It Comes Down To

The original poster's decision to decline covering for her colleague Sarah during maternity leave highlights a common struggle between personal workload and workplace expectations. With her own heavy responsibilities already weighing her down, it’s understandable that she felt overwhelmed by the request, especially when her boss implied it was part of her job. This situation reflects broader issues in office culture where support for colleagues can sometimes lead to undue stress and resentment, making it difficult to strike a balance between teamwork and individual well-being. The mixed reactions from commenters point to a growing awareness of the need for healthier boundaries in professional settings.

OP might not be the villain, but in a small agency, one “no” can still blow up the whole team.

For another pregnancy-leave blowup, read about the coworker arguing about extended leave and workload.