There’s nothing like becoming a parent. Your first few weeks are full of love, baby snuggles and, of course, diapers. Even if you’re looking forward to returning to work like I was after my son, Jack, was born, it can be daunting.
According to a survey conducted by MMB Magazine, out of more than 1,000 women, less than 20% felt confident about returning to work following maternity leave. As an employer, we have seen that culture is key, and this is true in how you’re managing the return-to-work process. Employees are looking for employers to help make this transition a little easier.
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Here are four quick tips for ensuring your employees’ return to work is as efficient and smooth as possible.
1. Offer flexibility
After being away from work for an extended period, employees need time to catch up. I spent my first week combing through emails, voicemails and calendar invites to determine what was relevant or needed to be responded to. Luckily, I could block off most of my days for uninterrupted work time.
If your business allows it, giving individuals the opportunity to initially work remotely, part-time or at a reduced capacity can help them reacclimate
2. Encourage mental well-being
New parents heading back to work are finding a new rhythm and schedule. This can be a lot to juggle, and most new parents don’t even have time to think about the words “self-care,” much less act on them.
Proactively share your mental well-being resources, like programs through your health insurance or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), to give them the support needed to help prioritize their own mental well-being. Most of these programs are already included in your benefits package, so it’s about ramping up communication regarding these benefits when your employees need them most.
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Additionally, take a look at your office environment. Do you have a nursing or mother’s room for moms who are breastfeeding? Turning an old office into a nursing room can give new moms the privacy and comfort they need.
3. Prioritize honest communication
It’s important to have an open line of communication with new parents so they have the chance to ask questions and receive assistance as they
After the birth of my daughter in 2020, I struggled with finding my new routine. Luckily, my manager and I have an honest relationship, so I could say, “I am struggling in this area where I normally excel. Here are some things I’m doing to get back on track and here’s what support would look like.” We touched base regularly and eventually everything fell back into place.
4. Give grace and compassion
Feelings of guilt, anxiety and sadness are common among parents returning to work after parental leave. It’s important for employers to recognize that this process poses emotional challenges for new mothers and fathers.
During my first week back, I was so grateful when coworkers just stopped by my office to say “hi” or voluntarily moved my last meeting from 4 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. so I could pick up my kids a little early from daycare. They understood when I forgot something after a rough night of no sleep, and were careful not to schedule over my nursing breaks, which I have blocked on my calendar every three hours. Is everything perfect? No, but we’re all meeting each other with grace and the understanding that we’re trying our best.
Showing empathy and understanding during this difficult time will make a big impact. If the pandemic taught us anything, I believe it was to find compassion for each other’s full lives — at work or at home, which are now not as separated as they once were.
