It seems like only yesterday that you were anticipating the arrival of your new baby and planning for your leave from work. But time passed quickly and your parental leave is almost over. It doesn’t matter if you were gone for 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks, chances are good that it feels like the time away went very fast!
Returning to work following the birth or adoption of a baby can be challenging. In order to make a smoother transition, here are several tips for both employers and employees to help make returning to the workplace successful.
For Employers
Communicate with your employee prior to their return
Make sure you both are on the same page about the date and time they will be returning to work. Hear any requests they have about schedule changes due to their new family situation. Briefly update them on any critical policy or procedure changes they should know immediately (for example, you are now in a new office location 🙂).
Review federal and state requirements
Make sure that you are aware of any laws or regulations for parents returning to work and confirm that your Employee Handbook accurately reflects these. For example, employers in all states with 50 or more employees are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA states that an employer must provide reasonable break time and a private place, other than a bathroom, for nursing mothers to express milk.
In Minnesota, the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) requires employers of any size, even if they have only one employee, to abide by this same requirement. As the child gets older, it’s also important to remember that additional requirements might apply. For instance, the Minnesota School Conference and Activities Leave law allows up to 16 hours leave each calendar year for employees to attend conferences or school related activities of their children, whether biological, adopted or foster. Employers must ensure their policies and practices do not discriminate against employees based on their parental or caregiving responsibilities.
Conduct a Return to Work meeting
Arrange a meeting shortly before or on the day of your employee returning to work. Use this opportunity to discuss any changes to their work or responsibilities, any changes to the team, answer any questions they have, and offer your support. You can also address any requests for schedule adjustments – whether you can accommodate those requests, or can offer any other flexible work arrangements.
Assign a mentor or buddy
Consider assigning a mentor or buddy to the returning employee, especially if you are in separate locations or have limited availability most days. This person can provide guidance, answer questions, and help the employee feel supported when you are not available.
Show appreciation and empathy
Show appreciation for the employee’s commitment to the company and your gratitude for having them back. Also, be empathetic by understanding that the transition back to the workplace may be challenging. The longer they were on parental leave, the harder it may be to return.
For Employees
Communicate with your employer prior to your return
More than likely, you and your employer setup a plan with the amount of time you were planning to take off of work. To ease the transition back to work, touch base with your employer before your scheduled return date. Find out about any changes that have taken place while you’ve been away. If you are considering a change to the amount of hours or the schedule you were working prior to the baby’s arrival, be transparent with your employer and let them know your thoughts as soon as possible.
Stay connected with your co-workers
Staying in touch with your co-workers during your parental leave will also make it easier to return. Also, they are likely very excited for you and your new bundle of joy and would love to see pictures and hear stories about your baby!
Prepare for childcare
Finding a reliable and trustworthy childcare provider can be challenging, especially with limited childcare options available in some areas. Hopefully you started this process early and researched your options carefully, so you feel comfortable with your choice.
Utilize available resources
If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), check into what services are available that could benefit you. In addition, reach out to your co-workers who are parents. They may be a valuable source of support and advice, especially if you are a new parent.
Establish routines, but remain flexible
Establishing routines in both your work life and your parenting life will help you feel more in control and less stressed. However, understand that sometimes even the best laid plans can go awry. Your child will get sick and work demands will change. Remaining flexible and being able to PIVOT! (can you hear Ross from Friends saying that or is it just me?) will help you navigate these challenges. And, if you are feeling the struggle with creating “Work-Life Balance”, check out our blog article on that topic.
Take care of yourself
Returning to work after a birth or adoption can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make time for exercise, relaxation, and other self-care activities to help you manage the transition. Also, have grace for yourself as you navigate through this new phase of your life! Though it may seem overwhelming at first, it will get easier as both you and your baby adjust to your new routine.
Both employers and employees should prioritize open communication before, during, and after the employee’s parental leave. Consider working together to create a plan for a successful return to work after parental leave. By working together, employers and employees can make the transition back to work as smooth as possible and alleviate some of the stress of finding your new groove as a working parent.
We’re very excited to welcome back one of our team members after her maternity leave!
I am so thankful for how kind and supportive my co-workers have been throughout my maternity leave! They have shown care for me beyond our “work” relationship, which has really made me look forward to returning to work with them. I know that balancing motherhood and work life may be difficult at first, but I am glad to get to work with many working mothers who understand, and can offer advice when I need it! – Delaney Burchill