I recently came across an interview where someone said women return from maternity leave ready to take on work, energised and rested.
This left me speechless and upset.
I’ve worked with and supported new mums for over 20 years. This statement didn’t match my experience or even come close to what I’ve seen, or what new mothers tell me when discussing returning to work after maternity leave.
This has nothing to do with reality and gives a very misleading picture of the transition period.
Unrealistic expectations put new mothers under pressure to hide their situation to keep their position.
This statement angered me, as it may reflect a general expectation from employers and team members.
Becoming a new mother is a life-changing experience, and no matter how many books someone has read or how many classes they’ve attended, nothing will prepare you for the sleepless nights or the confidence it takes to handle this new tiny human. It’s a huge learning curve: dealing with colic, breastfeeding, hormonal changes alongside the physical recovery from the birth.
Returning to work after maternity leave should not only be well planned but supported by the company, members and colleagues.
There may be aspects of returning to work which need to be addressed and discussed, i.e. breastfeeding/milk expressing, childcare. These conversations are sensitive and might have a significant impact on the employee/employer. They need to be carried out with respect and consideration on both sides.
Understanding where the employee is at when returning from maternity leave is crucial. This helps the organisation provide the right care and support to support a smooth transition. This can take a huge weight off the new mum’s shoulders, improve the company’s brand and culture and increase productivity.
Open and honest conversations with new mothers are not only a step forward to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. These conversations will also shed light on how new mothers really feel when they are returning to work and how we can all support them so they can succeed in their roles. I can guarantee there is no more loyal, hard-working and proactive employee than a new mother who feels supported.
Need help with difficult conversations or support for new mothers in your company? Please email me to schedule a meeting.
Learn more about how I can help your company support new mothers when returning from maternity leave.