Transitioning back to work after a maternity leave can be quite a task. You have been out of the work system for months, and are returning to work with different priorities, mental state, schedules and productivity level.
As a new mom, your child’s wellbeing will be number one on your mind especially if you didn’t secure a reliable childcare arrangement. As a woman who just went through childbirth, you have different hormones affecting your behaviour and this can be overwhelming.
To take the work out of this process, adequate plans have to be put in place, and in this article we have provided 5 practical tips to to make transitioning back to work after maternity leave as easy as possible.
Transitioning Back to Work After Maternity Leave: 5 Practical Tips to Ease the Process
For most women, returning back to work can be a bit challenging. As a working mom, you have to figure out childcare, a healthy work-life balance, and a lot more. But not to worry, highlighted below are tips that can make the journey easy and smooth for you.
1. Work on Yourself
Do not let your emotions take a toll on you. Things might get frustrating but do not let them overwhelm you. While it is okay to feel sad about leaving your child to go to work, do not wallow in the feeling so much you start feeling guilty. It is a very demanding phase, and you will need to build a robust mental stamina to get through it.
2. Early Child Care Preparations
Another thing you want to do is make proper child care arrangements before returning to work. You can test run the arrangement with the babysitter and your child to ensure your baby feels comfortable. You should also prepare backup plans with friends, relatives or someone you trust incase of unexpected situations.
3. Ease Back Gently
To avoid excessive stress that might interfere with your job, it is important to work on your schedule. Not every woman can choose whether to work fulltime or parttime, but if you can, you should give it a shot for the first few weeks of resumption so you can smoothly get back on track. If part time isn’t an option, try starting with flexible schedules to avoid being overwhelmed with work.
4. Communicate with Your Employer
Have an open conversation with your manager and HR regarding your resumption. Discuss expectations and necessary adjustments like flexible hours or work from home options. This ensures that you feel supported and are able to meet up with your workplace priorities.
5. Set boundaries
Do not push yourself too hard. Setting boundaries both at home and work will ensure a healthy balance. Do not take up extra responsibilities immediately. Plan appropriately, prepare yourself and ready everything your child needs before going to bed to avoid rushing in the morning. While doing all of these, though, do not forget to take care of yourself.
Wrapping Up
While transitioning back to work after maternity leave is undoubtedly a big deal, it is an inevitable step for working moms. The process is already demanding, and the best thing you can do to ease it up is to put adequate plans in place.
Have honest conversations with your boss and colleagues, and solicit for all the support you can get. Like every other phase, this too shall pass, so stay strong and take care of yourself. Cheers!