Tips for Returning to Work From Maternity: Navigating the Transition

Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, and transitioning back to work set up after having a baby can be difficult and overwhelming for new moms. For some women, returning to work is a welcomed break from parenting challenges. For others, it's a difficult transition fraught with anxiety and guilt. 

However, rolling through the data it has been seen that in April to June 2021, the office of national statistics reported three in four mothers (75.6%) were at work in the UK, reaching its highest level in the last 20 years.

But how do you ease the transition and make it a positive experience for both you and your family? In this blog post, we've explored the tips for returning to work from maternity leave from an employee perspective. From creating a supportive network to setting realistic expectations, read on for real-life advice on navigating the transition back to work.

5 Key Tips for Juggling Work and Parenting

Data says more than a third (37 percent) of women felt so unsupported and isolated on their return to work they considered handing in their notice (Source: People Management). Nine in 10 (90 percent) were not offered formal support through a returner program (Source: People Management). 

It can be challenging to transition back to work after having a baby. You may feel pulled in multiple directions and worry about leaving your child with someone else. So here are tips for coping with the transition.

1. The Transition Back 

Talk to your employer about your return-to-work plans. It's essential to communicate with your employer about your needs and expectations. Discussing your plans in advance will help ensure that everyone is on the same page.

• Find a childcare provider that you feel comfortable with. This is one of your most crucial decisions when returning to work. 
• Set up a schedule that works for you and your family. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, so finding a schedule that works for everyone involved is crucial. Whether it means working from home part of the time or taking advantage of flexible hours, finding a schedule that works for you will help make the transition to work easier.
• Be honest with yourself about how you're feeling. Feeling sad, anxious, or even guilty about leaving your child in someone else's care is normal. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're struggling emotionally during this time.

2. Finding Balance Between Work and Home Life

Finding a balance between work and home can be tricky, especially when you are returning to work from maternity leave. 

Talk to your employer about your schedule and workload. You may need to adjust your hours or take on a reduced workload to balance your responsibilities at home and work. Make time for yourself. It is essential to have time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes each day. Taking time for yourself will help you stay sane and motivated at work and home.

Communicate with your partner. Discussing your schedules and sharing parenting responsibilities will help you feel more supported and less stressed. Don't be afraid to seek help from family and friends. If you need help with childcare or household chores, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from those willing and able to help out.

3. Communicate to Make the Transition Easier

It is an expectation that managers or the organization should keep in touch with people who are on maternity leave unless the person states otherwise. Note that communication is a two-way street. If you don't keep the lines of communication open, it makes returning to work much harder.

You have to pick up, dust off, and re-establish that working relationship, yet it all feels a lot easier if you keep in touch. In addition, you need to communicate what you would like to do as part of your return to work. Employers don't know how you feel or in what capacity you want to return, so tell them to work with them so you can get what you need.

Talk to your employer about your return-to-work plans as soon as possible. If possible, try to phase in your return to work by starting with a shorter work week or working from home a few days a week.

4. Be Realistic 

Be honest with yourself about what can be realistically accomplished, and don't try to do too much too soon. Communicating with your employer about your leave and return to work is important.

Your employer may have policies in place regarding maternity leave, so it is vital to be aware of these before you take your leave. Once you know the policies, you can start planning for your return to work.

• Have a conversation with your manager or human resources department about your plans well in advance of taking maternity leave. This way, they can begin to plan for coverage while you are gone. Be clear about when you plan to return to work and if there is any flexibility in that date.
• If possible, try to schedule a meeting before you go on leave so that you can discuss any concerns or questions that either of you has. Check-in periodically with your boss or HR department (via email or phone) to update them on your status and let them know if anything has changed with your return date.

5. Create a Support System

It can be challenging to return to work after having a baby. You may feel like you are juggling a lot and that you don't have time for anything else. Creating a support system can help you make the transition back to work. 

Talk to your partner or spouse about your return to work and their role in supporting you. Join a mom's group or online community so you can connect with other working moms. Hire a Babysitter or Nanny to help with child care when you need extra support.

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Here’s a quick check-list:

Phase- 1

• Talk to your employer about your return-to-work plans
• Communicate with employer about your needs and expectations
• Find a good childcare
• Set up a schedule aligned to work & family
• Be honest with feelings

Phase- 2

• Reach out for emotional support(If required)
• Communicate with your partner
• Check-in periodically with the team
• Join a mom's group or online community
• Make time for yourself 

Things to avoid:

• Not paying attention to mental health
• Comparing yourself to others
• Not Leveraging the KIT days
• Unorganized schedule

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How to Make the Most of Workplace Resources

A few key things to remember when returning to work from maternity leave are making the most of workplace resources, communicating effectively with your team, and staying organized. Here are some tips for each:

• Leverage Workplace Resources: Utilize your company's resources to help you transition back into work life. Many companies offer programs and services like childcare, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements that can make returning to work easier. Ask HR or your manager if you're unsure what your resources company offers.
• Communicating Effectively With Your Team: Be upfront with your team about your availability and what you are comfortable with doing. If you need to step away from pumping or childcare, let them know in advance so they can plan accordingly. It is also important to communicate about deadlines and projects – set up regular check-ins with your manager so everyone is on the same page.
• Staying Organized: Returning to work after having a baby can be overwhelming. To help manage everything, create a system that works for you, whether using a planner, setting up alerts on your phone, or investing in an excellent organizational app. Find what works best for you, and ensure to stick with it.

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

Returning to the office or work after having a baby can be tricky. Not only you are dealing with the physical changes that come with motherhood, but you're also trying to balance work and home life. Add to that the pressure of returning to your pre-baby body, and it's no wonder so many women feel overwhelmed.

While taking care of your physical health after having a baby is important, it's also crucial to pay attention to your mental health. After all, you are dealing with a lot of new stressors and changes. You can check the tips for taking care of your mental health during this transition:

Talk to someone who understands. Whether it's your partner, a friend, or a therapist, find someone who can lend a listening ear and offer support. Talking about your feelings and experiences with someone who understands what you're going through can be helpful.

Make time for yourself. With a new baby, it's easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But it's important to make time for things that make you happy and help you relax. Whether it's reading, going for walks, or taking a bath, find ways to fit self-care into your schedule.

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Pro tip:

Don't compare yourself to others. Every woman's experience is different, so don't compare yourself to other moms or try to do everything perfectly. Accept that there will be both good and bad days.

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Final Thought 

KIT (keeping in touch) days were incorporated into maternity rights in 2006 and were designed to improve support contact between women and employers during maternity leave. You can utilize these days prior to going back to work 'permanently.' 

Leveraging the KIT days can help you be well-informed of business updates and any significant changes without you being blindsided by me upon my return. The highlight is that KIT days are essential for taking the sting out of the changes that have occurred. They aren't mandatory, but they are certainly worth it.