Bringing new life into the world is a transformative experience, and as new parents, the joy of welcoming a child often comes with the challenge of balancing work and family life. Transitioning back to the professional realm after parental leave can be both exciting and daunting. Your journey returning from parental leave might feel overwhelming and it may feel impossible to leave your little one behind. To help you plan for a successful return to work, here’s a guide with tips and touch points so you can navigate this transition with confidence and support.
Questions to Ask HR or Your Manager
Returning to work after parental leave can be a complex journey. Many new parents face uncertainties about changes within the company, new policies, or altered responsibilities. Having a re-onboarding plan in place matters more than you think. It’s about making your return seamless, acknowledging the changes in the workplace, and ensuring you step back in without missing a beat.
Even if your company doesn’t have a plan yet, here are simple questions you can ask HR or your manager to kick start the conversation and pave the way for a smooth return to work:
- “Does our company have a re-onboarding or return to work plan already in place?”
- “Can we discuss a structured plan for my return to work from parental leave?”
- “What resources are available to support me in this transition?”
- “Can we explore flexible schedules or a gradual return?”
- “Who should be my main point of contact for support while I’m on leave?”
Touchpoints for Expectant Parents Planning to Return to Work
If there isn’t an established company re-onboarding plan already in place, here are three touch points to guide you. By focusing on these touchpoints and taking proactive steps, expectant parents can better prepare themselves for the emotional and professional challenges of returning to work after parental leave. This approach aims to ease the stress and concerns often associated with leaving a newborn for the first time and transitioning back into the workplace.
30 Days Before Due Date: Preparing for Leave
Review Entitlements and Benefits: Take time to thoroughly review your company’s benefits related to parental leave, ensuring you understand your entitlements and available support. This includes paid parental leave and health insurance continuation. It’s helpful to understand how these work before going on leave.
Confirm Leave Plans: Communicate your planned leave dates with HR or your manager, confirming details and any necessary paperwork. Not only is this important for them to transition you for payroll and HRIS systems, but your plans may have changed since your initial conversation.
Set Primary Contact: Designate a primary contact for work-related communication during your absence. Ensure they have all necessary information to handle questions or urgent matters. This will help give you peace of mind so you can enjoy the time off with your child.
Wind Down Projects: Begin wrapping up ongoing projects, documenting progress and any essential information for your absence. Communicate with colleagues about project statuses and handovers. If you’ve designated a primary contact, make sure they know which projects or responsibilities they will be overseeing in your absence.
One Week Before Return to Work: Preparing for Re-Entry
Review Benefits Again: Before returning to work, it’s helpful to revisit your company’s benefits, ensuring you’re aware of any changes or updates during your leave period. This includes adding your new baby or making any changes during this qualifying life event, especially if your parental leave falls on or around open-enrollment.
Confirm Start Date: Reach out to your manager or HR and confirm your return-to-work date. The days may have changed, so confirm the date to ensure everyone is on the same page. As a tip, try scheduling your return for a Wednesday to ease back into the workweek.
Clarify Day 1 Expectations: Discuss with your manager or HR what is needed on your first day back. Ensure you have a clear understanding of tasks or briefings to aid your re-entry. This ensures that you aren’t saddled with 100% of your responsibilities the first hour back to work, especially if you’ve been on leave for an extended period of time.
Discuss Flexibility: If you’ve planned a gradual return or require flexible schedules, discuss these options with your employer to align work expectations with your parenting needs. This includes any intermittent leave.
One Week After Return to Work: Adjusting and Moving Forward
Communication on Progress: Take time to communicate how your return has been going. Be honest about any challenges or adjustments needed.
Request Flexibility as Needed: If the initial return feels overwhelming or adjustments are necessary, be proactive in communicating your needs and preferences to your manager. Discuss flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted hours or remote work options, that align with your parenting responsibilities.
Review Expectations and Milestones: Discuss with your manager the expectations and milestones moving forward. Ensure alignment and clarity on goals. Understand that it’s okay to delegate tasks and prioritize responsibilities. Identify tasks that can be delegated or shared with team members to manage your workload effectively as you transition back to work.
Plan Workload Increase: Map out a plan with your manager to gradually increase your workload and involvement in projects, ensuring a smooth reintegration.
Connect with Support Services: Engage with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), coaching, or HR resources if needed for additional support or guidance during this transition.
Tips and Reminders for a Successful Return to Work
Now that you have a general plan in place, you can smoothen your re-entry into the workplace after parental leave. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you coordinate a more seamless transition and empower you to navigate this significant life change while excelling in your professional role.
Plan Ahead: Before returning to work, create a schedule that accommodates both professional and personal responsibilities. This includes organizing childcare arrangements, adjusting sleep routines, and preparing necessary supplies for both home and the workplace.
Stay Connected: Reach out to colleagues or your manager before your return. Schedule informal catch-ups to get updates on projects, changes, and any new processes. This helps you feel more connected and up-to-date before officially starting work.
Refresh Skills: Take advantage of any resources provided by the company to refresh your skills or learn about new tools or processes introduced during your absence. Online courses, webinars, or tutorials can be incredibly helpful.
Set Realistic Expectations: Be kind to yourself and set realistic expectations. It’s normal to need time to readjust. Give yourself grace and don’t expect everything to fall into place immediately.
Establish Boundaries: As you navigate work and family life, establish clear boundaries. Communicate your availability and times when you need uninterrupted focus on work or family commitments.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or HR if you encounter challenges. Having a support network in place can be invaluable during this transition.
Practice Self-Care: Amidst the adjustments, prioritize self-care. Allocate time for yourself, whether it’s a few moments of mindfulness, exercise, or activities that bring you joy. Taking care of yourself is crucial for managing the demands of work and parenting.
Final Thoughts
Returning from parental leave might feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but you’ve got this. Remember, the aim isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Reach out to your manager or HR, discuss your needs, and craft a plan that sets you up for success. Your journey back to work is a new chapter—embrace it with optimism, and you’ll find your stride sooner than you think.
