Returning to Work After Parental Leave: 4 Key Considerations

For many parents, going back to work after parental leave can be overwhelming yet exciting. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), qualified employers are permitted to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for particular family and medical needs within a one-year period. This helps parents take leave for the birth and care of the new child. Yet, the unspoken challenge, especially considering a major transition of returning to the 9 to 5 after a prolonged absence, can be demanding.

A lot of factors come into play when transitioning back to work—from fresh objectives and issues to address to the additional burden of new logistics to managing interactions with coworkers and bosses, and more. However, there are four key considerations to keep in mind for a smooth transition back to your professional life. 

1. First things first: Consider your options for childcare

Making sure your child is well taken care of while you are at work is one of the most important parts of going back to work. Speak to other parents at work to get some encouragement, for example, which would give you the support and ideas you need to plan ahead for child care. Daycare centres are popular among parents because they offer supervised play areas and socializing opportunities for their children. Some may favour in-home care, like a family member or nanny looking after the child in their home. To make an informed choice, make sure to check out a few different facilities, get recommendations, and read reviews.

2. Assess your schedule

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and life is essential for your general well-being. Talk openly with your employer about your schedule and any necessary flexibility before returning to work. This sets a tone about what to expect in the coming days and an opportunity to communicate effectively with your employer about your needs. For example, some companies facilitate the transition by providing part-time jobs, remote work opportunities, and flexible working hours. This helps ensure a smooth transition to work. Work-life balance is becoming increasingly important, and many modern companies nowadays are becoming more and more accommodating to parents' needs.

3. Evaluate career adjustments and advancement 

Returning to work can also be a great opportunity to reflect on your long-term professional goals. It could be worthwhile looking into other options if your current position doesn't provide the required flexibility. This could potentially be the perfect time for you to explore a change in your career if you were unsatisfied with your previous job, especially if you ever considered switching to a new field or career. Let’s say you’re considering switching to a career in social work. You’d need to consider things such as the qualifications required for this field of work, social worker job outlook, and salary, among other factors, to make a decision.

4. Plan your return and reset your expectations

It's a good idea to be mentally prepared for what to expect after your return to work. Re-establishing contact with your coworkers, for example, sets a medium for catching up on the latest updates at work and any events or changes that took place while you were away. To stay up-to-date, attend team meetings, review recent projects, and keep up with company and industry news. Make a thorough plan outlining your priorities and goals for the first few weeks at work. This plan should outline the assignments you have to finish, the meetings you have to attend, and any extra help you might need. Setting expectations and ensuring you get the assistance you need might be achieved by talking with your manager about your re-entry strategy.

Going back to work after parental leave is a big step that has to be planned and thought out carefully. To ensure that this transition goes as smoothly and successfully as possible, many factors come into play, such as analyzing your childcare alternatives, evaluating your work-life balance, thinking about career changes, and organizing your return strategy. Remember that this is a period of transition and development on both a personal and professional level. A rewarding profession and a happy family life are within your reach if you approach it with assurance and optimism.