Returning to work after Mat leave - support?

[atiredmomma]

Hi
im due to return to work in a few weeks after being on mat leave
and im becoming increasingly nervous. Anyone else feel like this?
I don’t really know why I’m nervous except I feel like I’m not going to have a clue what I’m doing and I’ll have forgotten loads of stuff

how much support did you get on returning to work?
Should managers usually be quite good giving support when returning to work? Or is it more the case like they expect you to just get on with it.

Probably varies from place to place. But my management was very understanding. I had a few bits of training material to catch up on and no one expected loads from me for the first few days.

Also I had done quite a few KIT days in the run up to returning so Id already broken the ice

Is it possible for you to do a phased return? I did this and it helped MASSIVELY as I had a longer mat leave (due to PPD and other reasons) and I was dreading going back. But the gradual increase in returning really helped ease me back into things gently. Many work places have this as an option so worth asking your employer if you think this would help!

Varies by manager unfortunately but I think annecdotely it is improving. You will find when you are at work you won't take long to get back in the swing of it. You won't naturally remember stuff when not in workplace itself. I was worried but once back I was surprised how easily things came back and the second time my job was changed (to an equivalent role) whilst I was off but it was quite nice learning new things.

My return to work was shocking. I now make sure everyone else's is as good as I can make it.

My return to work 18 months ago was handled poorly. I really struggled with the hugely changed workplace dynamics, and just generally not feeling able to do my job. I was not supported at all and felt abandoned. It quickly led to burn out and a period of time off sick. I'm still struggling and will probably leave this job. I had no idea what to expect going back, and definitely hadn't considered the impact of being the primary/sole parent (despite being married) would have on my working life. I linked in with my organisation's new parent network which was helpful, but incredibly depressing to realise how many others out there felt the same way,
If I did it again, I'd advocate for myself a hell of a lot more than I did this time.

It's completely normal to feel nervous about returning to work; reaching out to your employer about a phased return or extra support might make the transition smoother.

My return was good - but I had a manager with kids and I think this makes a difference. I’m starting to approach my second return and def feeling more anxious about it.

This is a good idea. Perhaps you could ask to book a day off a week? Or use a kit day in the lead up?

I had a staggered case load when I returned; I was very much keen to hit the ground running but my manager wanted me to start slowly and I’m very glad she did that as I did need time to settle back into the new routine. The actual work side was fine but getting used to taking my baby to childcare and fitting everything else into the limited time I had took some getting used to. Also kit days are useful for finding out if anything has changed.

thanks all for your replies. I have done a couple of KIT days but can’t get any more in as I have no one to look after baby.
and yes I am using annual leave to do a phased return too
I hadn’t heard of a new parent network, I might see if we have one. That would be nice to join thank you

I think you always feel a bit nervous. I'm returning next week from Mat leave with DC4 and I feel a bit nervous, just not as much as the first time.

I find the first week very strange, and yes, I have found that I'm not very efficient as I'm out of routine and a little distracted. However, I find second week I'm back in the swing of it and have always surprised myself by feeling pretty much my normal self.

HOWEVER the house very quickly descends into a tip. During the adjustment period I just cant be on top if everything and that's what I chose to let slide. Last few times it has taken me at least 6 weeks to find a new rhythm, and I rhik it took me longer the first time.

From my experience, it really depends on the specific company and the specific manager.

If your manager isn't giving you much support, there are other palces you can find it:

• Your company women's network or parent's network
• Community platforms like Peanut (new mums) and ivee (women returning to work)
• Acas website has some good info on maternity pay and employment law

Hope this helps xxxx

how much support did you get on returning to work?

Absolutely none! It was a case of here is your new class, make sure you find out what’s changed since you were last here, and oh-Ofsted is due this term… 🤢

A KIT day could be the perfect way to ease back in while still having a bit of a breather.