If maternity leave is not used within a year, what happens to it?

Maternity leave policies typically have specific time frames during which the leave must be utilized. In many cases, if maternity leave is not used within a designated period, such as one year, the entitlement may expire. This is customary in various organizations to ensure that employees utilize their leave benefits in a timely manner, as the purpose of maternity leave is to provide support and flexibility during a critical time for new parents.

Once the one-year period has elapsed without the leave being taken, it is often considered forfeited or lost, aligning with the structured nature of leave policies designed to encourage timely usage for the well-being of both the employee and employer. In contrast, options suggesting that leave could be extended, carried over, or converted into paid leave do not reflect the typical policies surrounding the expiration of maternity leave.