Embracing Change: navigating the world of work post maternity leave

It’s been nearly three weeks since I returned to work after maternity leave, and I won’t lie—it's been a whirlwind. There’s excitement, plenty of adjustments, and a few bumps along the way. As someone in a leadership role, coming back to the office after a long break definitely has its unique challenges. But I’ve always believed that change is the only constant. If we don’t embrace it, we risk getting left behind!?

Staying Connected?

For many parents, coming back after nine months (or more!) can be daunting. Imposter syndrome? Yep. The fear of stepping back into work and feeling like you’ve forgotten everything? Yep yep!?

To stay connected, I planned to use my Keeping in Touch (KIT) days strategically. I made a point to connect with my team—whether it was hopping onto company update calls, bringing my baby to an intense rounders match, or just keeping an eye on our social channels. I didn’t want to disappear completely, and luckily, my company supported me in this.?

For some of my friends, KIT days felt like full-on workdays. But honestly, what could I really achieve by working a 9-5 once every month or two? The best thing my company did was let me join in on my own terms, without any heavy expectations. That made my KIT days something I looked forward to, rather than dreading a full workday when I wasn’t quite ready.?

And, I’ll admit, I checked my emails. During those middle-of-the-night wake-up calls with my baby, I would scroll through my inbox to stay awake. I won’t lie, not every email was riveting enough to keep my eyes open, but staying up-to-date made me feel like I was still in the loop. The key here was that there was no pressure to reply or engage, just to stay connected. It worked for me, but it might not for everyone! It’s important to do what feels right for you during this time.?

Embracing a New Role?

After nine months away, I knew things would be different when I came back to work. Instead of trying to slot myself into the same role I left, I wanted to bring real value and contribute in a meaningful way. So, after several conversations, we reshaped my role to better align with my goals and the businesses.?

My advice? Don’t be afraid to have those conversations and be bold in reshaping your role if needed. It’s an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. And even though I’ve only been back a few weeks, I already feel empowered by this change.?

The Work-Life Balance?

Let’s talk about balance, shall we? I’m a huge advocate for flexible working, and I’m lucky to work for a company that supports it. Right now, I’m still figuring out how to manage the drop-off and pick-up routine for nursery, squeeze in gym time, have a productive workday, and still make space for family time (and, hopefully, some rest). There will definitely be days where it all feels a bit chaotic, but that’s okay. I’m learning to be kind to myself, knowing I’m doing the best I can.?

Life won’t ever be quite the same again, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is making time for yourself. If you don’t prioritize your own well-being, everything else—your family, your health, your happiness—will suffer. So, I’m reminding myself (and you!) to carve out those moments just for you, however small they may be.?

Celebrating the Journey?

I’m also making space to celebrate how far I’ve come—balancing leadership and motherhood is no small feat. By embracing this new chapter with a positive mindset, I’m hopeful that the transition will be smoother and more fulfilling in the long run.?

To all the parents out there returning to work after a break—good luck! And remember, change is the only constant. Don’t shy away from it; lean in, make the most of it, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride!?

Caroline x

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