Getting ready to return to work from parental leave? Here are 6 tried and tested tips from parents

There is always that tipping point while out on parental leave when you start to think about work again. Should I go back? Do I want to? Am I ready? What will this look like for me and my family? What support do I need in place? Can I do this? How can I perform at the same level as before having a baby?

It is so daunting leaving your little one as you will be coming to work as a new version of yourself. A potentially tired, anxious, excited, inspired or already drained version of yourself. Maybe your leave was smooth sailing and your baby a complete dream, or you don't actually remember the last time you've slept consecutive hours with a stage 5 clinger. So - Where do you even begin?

Here are 6 tried and tested tips to ease the transition back so you feel supported and expectations are being set:

1. Catch up with your manager a few weeks prior to your return for a coffee or call to get an update on the business and start sharing what your return will look like. This allows you to express how you are doing and start mapping out what you need for a successful and empowered transition back into the workplace.
2. Arrange a practice day or a couple of practice runs to get the feel of the new routine of logging on or coming into the office. This way you can have some coffee catch-ups with colleagues and get a feel for the new family & work routine.
3. Start your first day towards the later half of the week on either a Wednesday or Thursday rather than a Monday. That way you can ramp up to a full week over a couple of weeks and don't have the full week ahead of you as you get started with the new routine.
4. Discuss a ramp-up plan with your manager which was covered in my first Materna.info article. Depending on how long you have been on leave for things would have definitely changed at work. A 3-week ramp plan helps you and your manager stay focused and aligned on what is important to catch up on and when.
5. Three magical words - BLOCK YOUR CALENDAR. This is one of the best pieces of advice I received and a simple task to do on your first day back between catching up with colleagues. Block 1 hour of "Buffer Time" at the start and end of your day in addition to blocking time for feeding/pumping. Block your lunch hour too so you have time to take care of yourself as well.
6. Re-engage with your village at work. Touch base with your parental leave mentor and set up some regular catch-ups that focus on you and how you are adjusting to being back at work. In addition, find a "buddy" you can rely on for anything technical as you navigate new systems, products, processes or organizations. Tap into parent affinity groups in your organisation so you feel supported by a like-minded community.

Last but not least - Be kind to yourself, truly. We often think that we will be returning as the same person we were before but that's not always the case. Take your time to adjust and find your new normal. All of the emotions are valid and it does take time to adjust. Sometimes it is hard to reach out for help and this is the time to lean on those around you.

If you are a manager or a team member who has someone coming back from parental leave - do take the time to check-in and ask how you can help. Especially in this hybrid working environment where the transition back to the workforce for parents is almost invisible. Parents coming back may get lost in the virtual world - so it's important to be mindful and inclusive of their experience as well.

Did you have a return to work tip to share? What worked best for you? Comment below!