Mums looking for information to support returning from parental leave

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There are four simple steps you can take now in the return-to-work phase to set yourself up for success.

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Tell your manager about your intention to return, and keep checking in

If you haven’t done so already, make sure you tell your manager about your intention to return, and start those early conversations about any work adjustments you may need in this phase.

It’s important to keep having regular check-ins with your manager as you go through the transition from working person to working parent. Managers are not mind readers! These conversations can open up important opportunities about flexibility, career progression and more. They also serve as a reminder to your manager that you may need extra support as you transition back to work.

If you’re a birth mother, you may also want to use these catch-ups to raise any safety concerns you may have after the birth of your baby, such as heavy lifting or being on your feet for long periods. If you’re breastfeeding at work, make sure you take time to let your employer know what you need. And keep them informed as those needs change.

Set your boundaries

As you return to work, it’s a good idea to ‘start as you mean to go on’. Now is the time to think about your boundaries, and putting measures in place to help you maintain them.

What those boundaries look like is up to you. You may want to make it clear that you’re not available to work after hours, or maybe you don’t want to receive phone calls after a certain time. Perhaps you set parameters on when you’ll respond to email. Or maybe you make it clear that you need to leave at a certain time each day to pick up your child. There are many options available to you, and what works for some will not work for others. This is the time to establish what you’re OK with, and what you’re not.