10 tips for returning to work after maternity leave

Did you know that over recent decades there has been an increasing amount of mothers in the labour force? 32% of mothers with children under the age of one were employed but away from work in 2021, compared to only 5% in 1991.

Workload stress, fear of failure, Mum guilt. Sound familiar? These are all valid (and common) feelings when it comes to the balance of working and being a new parent. Going back to work after having a baby can be extremely daunting and overwhelming. Returning to the job after six to 12 months off is stressful enough in itself but coupled with the stressors of being a new mum it can be extra challenging. 

We’ve compiled some tips on how to make the transition that little bit easier, however,  also keep in mind that you are not alone. 

Tip 1: Understand your workers rights

Being familiar with your rights and what you are entitled to can help provide guidance and actions. Under the Fair Work Act, an employee who has been on parental leave is entitled to return to the position they had before going on leave, even if someone else is working in their role as a replacement. 

Also, under the Fair Work Act, an employee can access up to ten Keeping In Touch (“KIT”) days while on unpaid primary carer’s leave. KIT days allow you to remain connected to your workplaces while on parental leave. A KIT plan may include attending team meetings, attending a conference or training session, learning new processes and refreshing your skills, discussions with your boss and team about how your role has evolved. 

Tip 2: Keep in touch

Develop a keeping in touch plan that allows you to remain connected  to your boss, your colleagues, and your workplace while on parental leave. Job commitment and hireability are linked to using a keeping touch program while on maternity leave .

Develop a plan that works for you and your family. It could be closer to the time when you’re preparing to return to work, or it might spread evenly over the time of your leave. 

Tip 3: Preparation and planning 

One of the best ways to ease your stress when returning back to work and adjusting to the new juggle is to prepare yourself and plan. 

Consider your schedule. In the months leading up to going back to work, think about not only the amount of days a week you are going to work, but also take into consideration all of the different variables. For example: child care availability, availability of family members who may help, extra activities such as swimming lessons.

Do a few test-runs of your new routine so you’re comfortable and familiar with daycare drop off and pick up times, commute times, and how long it takes to get ready and leave the house. 

Tip 4: Time your start 

As best you can, time your return to work date at a time you know things won’t be extremely busy. If your job has busier months than others, take this into consideration. Talk to your boss about your start date to ensure you can ease back into work, and team members are available to assist your transition back. 

Tip 5: Discuss flexible working arrangements

Did you know that an employee is eligible to request flexible working arrangements if they are the parent, or have responsibility for the care of, a child that is school age or younger? 

Flexible arrangements include working part-time, flexible working hours (i.e. changing starting and finishing times of work) or working from home.  Consider variables such reducing commute times and daycare pick up and drop off times when considering flexible working. 

Tip 6: Communicate with your colleagues 

Good communication in any workforce is important and that shouldn’t change returning to work after leave. Communicate with your boss and colleagues about how you’re feeling, about your workload, and how best your team can support each other. There may be other parents who have been through a similar experience who can offer support and guidance in navigating any challenges. 

Tip 7:  Set boundaries 

Before having children it was probably easier to say yes to things; work travel, helping colleagues with their workload, picking up extra projects. With an extra workload and responsibilities at home, setting boundaries is key. Time management, delegation and communication are effective strategies that may help with this. 

Tip 8: Reset your expectations 

If you were previously employed full time and you’re going back on a part-time basis, resetting your expectations is going to be really important. It’s easy to get caught out thinking that you can get the same amount of work done in three days as you could in five days because this workload is what you were used to. But think about how you can best adapt your attributes and skills to suit your new schedule. 

Tip 9: Have a plan B (hello support network!) 

One of the more challenging juggles that working parents face is the unexpected day at home. There is no escaping those daycare germs and if your little one is unwell, put in place a plan to support you during this process will help ease the stress. 

For example, if they can’t go to daycare do you have a family member who can come over and help you? Do you have the flexibility and ability to work from home when you need to? 

Discuss contingency plans with your boss and support network knowing that there will be times where things don’t go the way as normally planned. 

Tip 10: Be kind to yourself 

Above all, and likely the most important thing to keep in mind, is to be kind to yourself. Raising children requires the careful balancing between household responsibilities and the demands of employment which can bring forward a whole new set of changes and challenges. Reset your expectations, have patience, and know that getting used to your new routine and work/life balance will take time. 

If you’re struggling to juggle the balance, it’s important to speak to a health professional for personalised guidance.

References:

1. Baxter, J. (2023). Employment patterns and trends for families with children. (Research Report). Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies. 
2. 2024. Fair Work Act 2009. https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2009A00028/latest/versions 
3.  Fair Work ombudsman. (2024).  Returning to work from parental leave. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/parental-leave/after-parental-leave/returning-to-work-from-parental-leave 
4. Falletta, L., Abbruzzese, S., Fischbein, R., Shura, R., Eng, A., Alemagno, S. (2019) Work Reentry After Childbirth: Predictors of Self-Rated Health in Month One Among a Sample of University Faculty and Staff. Saf Health Work. 2020 Mar;11(1):19-25. https:// doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.12.006. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 32206370; PMCID: PMC7078554 
5. Coulson, M., Skouteris, H., & Dissanayake, C. (2012). The role of planning, support, and maternal and infant factors in women's return to work after maternity leave. Family Matters, 90, 33-44. https://aifs.gov.au/research/family-matters/no-90/role-planning-support-and-maternal-and-infant-factors-womens-return 
6.  Fair Work ombudsman. (2024).  Returning to work from parental leave. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/workplace-problems/preventing-workplace-problems/workplace-communication#importance-of-communication