Navigating Parenthood and Professionalism: Reflections on Returning to Work After Parental Leave

It's been a year since I returned to work after taking a year off for parental leave for my second. Balancing the chaos of parenthood with the organised chaos of office life? Let's just say it's been a crash course in multitasking and I was na?ve to think it's easier second time around.

Over the past year, I've become something of a time management ninja. Juggling parenting chaos while trying to look like a competent professional. Let's just say I've gotten pretty good at strategically scheduling conference calls and pretending I've got it all together.

Improving my communication skills has been a journey of its own. Trying to negotiate with a toddler is like trying to reason with a tiny dictator, but those negotiation skills have come in handy when dealing with clients and colleagues. Turns out, patience and a well-timed snack break can solve just about any problem. Did anyone mention Morning Tea?

Hats off to the superhero parents who effortlessly get their little ones to daycare and arrive at the office by 8:30 a.m., while I'm left standing there like a disheveled mess, questioning if I brushed my teeth. I mean, seriously, how do they do it? I wouldn't be surprised if they had a direct line to Mary Poppins asking for a bit of her enchanting assistance. Because let's face it, getting a toddler ready for daycare feels like orchestrating a Broadway production, complete with wardrobe malfunctions and impromptu dance numbers. I'm convinced it's all just elaborate magic tricks

But amidst the chaos, there's been one constant: mum guilt. Whether it's taking more sick days than usual or forgetting to pick up the kids from daycare on time (oops!), it's easy to feel like you're not measuring up. But you know what? We're all doing the best we can, and that's all that matters.

Through it all, I've learned the importance of self-care. Because let's face it, parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether it's indulging in a guilty pleasure TV show or sneaking in a nap during lunch break (because whose babies actually sleep through? And if they do, I don't want to know!), taking care of yourself is non-negotiable. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup, right?

Returning to work after parental leave has been a wild ride filled with ups, downs, and plenty of messy moments. If I were to do it again (and I won't be!) here's what advice I would give myself and employers.

Tips for Parents Returning to Work:

1. Plan Ahead: Before returning to work, take some time to plan ahead for childcare arrangements, daily routines, and potential challenges that may arise. Having a solid plan in place can help alleviate stress and ensure a smoother transition back to the workplace.
2. Give Yourself Grace: Returning to work after parental leave can be overwhelming. Give yourself permission to ease back into things gradually and don't expect everything to fall into place immediately.
3. Communicate Openly: Don't hesitate to communicate with your employer about your needs and expectations upon returning to work. Whether it's adjusting your schedule, exploring flexible work arrangements, or requesting additional support, open communication is key in ensuring a successful return to work.
4. Stay Connected: Stay connected with your colleagues and build a support network both inside and outside of work. Having a support system can provide invaluable encouragement and assistance as you navigate the transition back to work.

Tips for Employers Supporting Parents Returning to Work:

1. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognise that returning to work after parental leave can be challenging, and offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, flexible hours, or job-sharing opportunities to accommodate parents' needs. In 2024, the 4-day workweek or chronoworking may emerge as the latest trends, yet parents, adept at managing various tasks simultaneously, are poised to effectively handle these models. Such adaptability could lead to an improved work-life balance and enhanced well-being for them.
2. Support a Seamless Transition: When reintegrating parents returning to work, consider implementing a re-onboarding process or as I like to say a rejuvenation process. Even if they've held the role before, a lot may have changed during their absence. Providing updated training, resources, and support can help them transition smoothly back into their roles and ensure they feel confident and prepared for any changes in the workplace dynamics
3. Provide Supportive Resources: Offer resources and support programs for parents, such as childcare assistance, lactation rooms, or access to parenting workshops and support groups. Providing these resources demonstrates your commitment to supporting working parents in achieving work-life balance.
4. Promote a Family-Friendly Culture: Foster a family-friendly culture within the organisation by promoting work-life balance and understanding the needs of working parents. Encourage managers to be supportive and flexible in accommodating parental responsibilities, and lead by example in prioritising work-life balance.