APU Careers Careers & Learning

Manage Your Business: Tips for Returning from Maternity Leave

maternity-leave-return-tipsBy J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor

A typical maternity leave lasts from two months to three. In other parts of the world new mothers can expect an entire year off to spend with their little one; in Sweden it’s 16 months! Whatever time a mother has to spend with her newborn is undoubtedly precious, but it goes by in the blink of an eye. Just like with a pregnancy there are always “experts” that will give pointers on how to have a proper maternity leave. For example, saying to catch up on sleep, read a few novels, or even travel. If you’ve experienced the joy of motherhood you know that those activities are wishful thinking. The focus of your return from leave to work is just as important as the leave itself.

One way to return with the best mindset is by viewing the last couple weeks of leave as a transition period. Here is when the planning begins. If you manage people or projects they go to the top of the list, and the rest of the items can follow suit.

Target Your Email Views

Instead of just digging through mounds of emails from the past few months start with items from direct reports, or project managers. This way you’ll be up to date on your day to day activities, and you’ll know what everyone has been working on. It’s important to check in on the items that directly affect you first, that way you’re not overwhelmed and left out when you return to work. Once the first round of emails have been checked off browse through the others. Don’t avoid staff emails because this is where hiring news and upgrades are being shared.

Contact Work Allies

This gives you an excuse to avoid baby talk for a few minutes. Call up a co-worker you’re friends with and check in on the status of the office. Don’t necessarily look for gossip, but it doesn’t hurt to hear about the vibe in your work space.

Reprogram the Day

Instead of hitting snooze with the baby make an effort to wake up closer to work hours. Don’t wait until your return to change up your schedule. Along with sleep training and late night feedings, you don’t need something else to jar your system. Get yourself mentally and physically prepared for what’s to come.

Prep Clothes the Day Before

Go get a set of new clothes for work before your return date. It does something for your confidence to rock new threads after having had a baby. It’s hard enough leaving your sweet bundle of joy the first day, but don’t make it worse by coming in looking like a train wreck. If you look good you’ll feel good.

Print Out Pictures

Do something with the overabundance of pictures on your phone. Print them out at a local Walgreens and put them in affordable frames from your local craft store. One or two great shots of the baby will be perfect for your workspace. It may make you sad at first to look at them, but it’s also a sweet reminder of why you’re doing what you do.

The first day back is tough on everyone. You may go the first week without shedding a tear, and then have a breakdown the following week. Don’t undervalue your emotions when returning to work. Leaving isn’t easy, but it’s important to keep on top of your game. If working is a priority in your life then make it so. Stay tuned for tips on tackling your first few days back in the office.

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