The ONE Sentence to Unlock Your Empowerment as a Parent Returning to Work in 2025

I love this time of year—where the reflections and learnings pour in, and we take time to pause and share. 2024 has been an epic year on so many levels, and one of my bright spots of the year was working with five mothers on their parental leave transitions.

Returning to work after parental leave can feel like stepping into a new world filled with expectations, pressure, and the feeling that you need to make up for lost time. I was so scared of being judged on so many levels and felt like I was the only one. But one thing I learned from the brave and strong women I spoke to this year is the shared fear of disempowerment and helplessness—trying to fit into the familiar working routine as a completely new person with different priorities.

For parents returning to work, employers and teams, this transition presents an opportunity to create a supportive environment that empowers parents to thrive.

To get started, here is the one sentence that can help unlock your empowerment as you return to work:

"For me to be successful (at work, in my role, to drive results, with my re-onboarding) – I need..."

1. A Quick Check-in Before the Return

Preparation is key to easing the transition, where Return to Work (RTW) parents can build a plan, manage expectations, and check in on any concerns to feel informed before diving back in.

• Schedule a conversation a few weeks before the return to discuss expectations, updates, and any changes to the workplace.
• Share updates on team projects, organizational changes, and relevant industry news.
• Ensure clarity on available policies and benefits, such as flexible work arrangements or childcare support.

2. A Re-Onboarding Process

We forget how much it feels like your brain has gone through a blender on parental leave. Much like new hires, parents returning to work will greatly benefit from a structured re-onboarding process. This can include:

• Meetings to catch up on projects and changes.
• A mentor or buddy to help navigate the transition.
• Time to reacclimate to tools, workflows, and team dynamics.

This intentional approach helps parents regain confidence, feel included, and set clear expectations between the Return to Work (RTW) parent and manager.

3. Flexibility

Flexibility is often a lifeline for new parents. Options like remote work, adjusted hours, or a phased return can make balancing work and family more manageable. Flexibility and understanding are investments in their productivity and loyalty. Areas to discuss include:

• Calendar blocking for feeding/pumping times.
• Phased return days to practice separation and daycare drop-off/pick-up routines.
• Aligning on remote work or in-office days.

4. A Village - Empathy and Open Dialogue

As a returning parent, you don't only have your teams or your leaders—you have an untapped network of the parents before you to lean on. Finding fellow parents to share challenges without fear of judgment can be invaluable.

• Connect with your internal Parents/Family groups.
• Ask leaders if they can connect you to other returning parents or someone with similar experiences.

A simple “How can we support you?” goes a long way in creating a sense of belonging.

5. Realistic Expectations

Parents often struggle with feeling they need to “prove” themselves upon returning, which is extremely stressful. As a return-to-work parent, you can have conversations about what the first month, quarter, or half-year will look like.

• Set realistic goals and timelines.
• Avoid overloading with high-stakes projects immediately.
• Provide regular feedback and celebrate small wins to rebuild confidence.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after parental leave can feel daunting, and each time can be quite different from the time before. But it’s also an opportunity for growth and reconnection. By focusing on what YOU need to be successful, you are advocating for your needs and paving the way for success.

Together, these steps create a workplace culture where both parents and organizations thrive, turning a challenging transition into a pathway for shared success.

To all the parents returning to work: you’ve got this. And to the organizations supporting them: thank you for leading with humanity.

What practices have you seen that support parents returning from leave? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!