Phased return to work

[DecaffTastesWeird]

I have a young DD (first baby). I was working full time before going on mat leave. Ideally I would like to return to work part time but gradually build up to full time. I know other mums have done this in my company so suspect it will be ok with them. I'm just wondering what is normal in terms of timeframe. Is aiming to be back full time a year after returning a bit of a stretch? Planning on going back about 9 months after start of mat leave.

[addictedtosugar]

How have other people done it?
I had to use accrued holiday to get the days off - so since I'd had a year off, I got about 25 days hol, plus my 8 bank holidays. I did 2 months of 3 day weeks, and then a month or 2 of 4 day weeks. Not all companies will let you use accrued holiday like this.
Also consider the childcare costs - I had to pay for 5 days a week even when working 3 to ensure I had FT childcare when I was back FT.
Congrats on your new baby

[DecaffTastesWeird]

At least one colleague used accrued holiday the way you describe addicted. Obviously could only do that for a shortish time though until holiday runs out... Do you mind me asking how long you worked 3 days before going FT?

[addictedtosugar]

A couple of months - I came back around all the easter and May bank hols, so had 9 weeks of 3 day weeks with about 15 days hols.
Then another chunk of 4 day weeks.

[FoodPorn]

2 months for me. That was my agreed working hours rather than using holiday.