Returning to work after parental leave
Welcoming a new addition to your family is undoubtedly a life-changing experience. As a parent, the decision to return to your career after any type of parental leave can bring a mix of emotions and challenges. However, with careful planning and a positive mindset, the transition back into the professional realm can be smoother than you might expect. Here are some top tips to help parents successfully return to their careers after parental leave.
1. Start Planning Early: Returning to work requires careful planning. Begin preparing for your return well in advance. This includes considering childcare options, discussing flexible work arrangements with your employer, and mentally preparing for the shift in routine.
Particularly with childcare, if you have faith that your child is well looked after in a stable setting, it will make your transition into this next stage of employment far easier to navigate. Many provisions are booked in advance, with some even requiring a holding name before your baby arrives, so don’t leave it too late. If you are unsure, apply to waiting lists for several in your area and conduct visits once your baby arrives to determine which you personally prefer. There is no right or wrong, it depends on your needs, that of your child and your working arrangements, as to which step up will work best for you.
2. Communication is Key: Open and honest communication with your employer is crucial. Discuss your plans, any concerns you may have, and explore flexible work options. Establishing a clear line of communication will help you feel more supported during the transition. Make sure that before you head off on maternity leave, you ensure you have a copy of your work policies so that you can easily refer to them, without feeling the need to go back and forth to your employer, at a time when you want to relish in that cosy snuggles with your little one. Feeling informed will help you process what you would like to do on your return.
3. Update Your Skills: Now this is an interesting one…. whilst it is recommended that you may wish to take the time to refresh your skills, attend relevant workshops or online courses, and stay informed about industry trends to boost your confidence upon your return, the reality of this is different when you are juggling parenthood, and sleep depravity. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do everything. My advice would be, if you can grab 5/10 minutes to look at your company intranet or look at relevant research, then do, but if you can’t, that’s fine too! Applying undue pressure on yourself will in the long term be detrimental to your return. Be realistic. After all, your little person if of the greatest priority and enjoying your leave with them is paramount.
Don’t forget your keep in touch days, this could be a good way to keep abreast and keep in touch with colleagues, but only if you wish. There is no legal requirement for you take part if you don’t wish to, however, many including me, find that being able to touch base allows you to feel like you for a few hours, rather than just being a parent.
4. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow working parents. Share experiences, seek advice, and learn from others who have successfully navigated the return to work after maternity leave. Every single parent before you had questions and sought information and advice, don’t be afraid to ask. Equally, don’t be afraid to dismiss if the advice given doesn’t work for you and your family!
5. Create a Realistic Routine: Understand that your routine will change. Just as you feel you have something tangible, something will happen, illness, teething, a large deadline etc, but, establishing a realistic daily schedule that accommodates both your professional and personal responsibilities is a really good starting place. Be prepared to prioritise tasks and be flexible in adapting to unexpected challenges that may arise.
6. Negotiate Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work options, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to help ease the transition. Many employers are open to negotiating flexible arrangements that can enhance work-life balance for parents returning to the workforce. Equally, the keep in touch days mentioned earlier, can be used at the end of your parental leave, much in the same way as annual leave, to ease your transition, but allow you to get paid outside of SMP rates.
Don’t forget to keep a few days of annual leave for inevitable last-minute needs, as your little one will spend the first few months building up their immune system within their childcare setting, and WILL pass all of those nasties on to you too, because they love you! 😊
7. Delegate and Outsource: Embrace the power of delegation. Whether it's at work or at home, identify tasks that can be delegated to others. Consider outsourcing household chores if you can afford to or seeking help from family members to alleviate some of the daily responsibilities.
Don’t be too proud! Whether it’s the offer of a meal, whipping around the hoover or loading the dishwasher, let others around you help. It will make your transition easier.
8. Embrace Self-Care: Balancing work and parenthood require taking care of yourself. Schedule regular breaks, engage in activities that bring you joy, and prioritise self-care. A healthy and happy parent is better equipped to manage the demands of both worlds.
Take a bath, join a regular class, make time for you and your partner to spend time together, get some fresh air and allow yourself 30 minutes to collect your thoughts.
9. Set Realistic Expectations: Manage your expectations and understand that it's okay to ask for help. No one is perfect, and it's normal to face challenges along the way. Be patient with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection.
10. Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate both small and significant achievements. Returning to work after parental leave is a significant accomplishment, and acknowledging your successes will boost your confidence and motivation.
Returning to your career after parental leave is a unique journey filled with both excitement and challenges. By implementing these top tips, you can navigate this transition with confidence, finding a balance that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally. Remember, you are not alone, and many parents have successfully resumed their careers, created fulfilling and rewarding lives for themselves and their families.
If you are on the look out for a mentor who has navigated motherhood and a strategic demanding career, then please feel free to reach out!