Due back to work in a month after maternity leave but suspect something's afoot

[formerdiva]

I'm due back at work in a month having taken a year's maternity leave, but I'm starting to get a little concerned. I've emailed my line manager twice over the past fortnight about my return to work and haven't had a reply from him. I know I could be paranoid, but it's out of character for him. On top of that, there have been big structural changes at work since I've been away including a few departures (I haven't been formally told this, I've just heard it on the grapevine) so I'm bracing myself for an unpleasant surprise.

What I'd love to know at this stage is how I should be handling myself. Do I start copying HR into my emails? Should I phone my line manager (I've avoided this because I like to keep things documented)? On top of everything else, it's a real incovenience not to hear anything because I need my line manager to agree to my holiday request (I've accrued the year's holiday time, so I've proposed phasing the holidays over 6 months, effectively making me part time. However I need his agreement before I can finalise childcare).

Any other advice would really be appreciated.

Pick up the phone! You have documented plenty already. You need to hear his tone of voice and put him on the spot. If you are really tricksy, call from a number he won't recognise.

Have your company agreed that type of holiday request before? They are quite often turned down.

Thanks, Ribenaberry. I'll do that.

I don't know anyone else who's come back from maternity leave so I don't know of a precedent that's been set. It's not the end of the world if they don't let me, though. What would be upsetting is if I'm told that either there isn't a job for me (complex, I know, in maternity leave cases) or worse if the restructure has seen my job change into something that is less family friendly (less home based, for example, or more travel)

I agree with Ribena, and was going to suggest doing 141 before the company phone number so he doesn't recognise your number . Especially if you think he's ignoring you.
If that fails I'd be tempted to start an independent conversation with HR, without dropping your manager in it.
If you are due to start back in a month then you prob need to get your start date sorted out sharpish as I think have to give them at least a month's notice of your intention to return to work. i may be wrong with that though, sorry for being a bit vague.

Thanks netbook - I'll call him tomorrow (gah! Feel nervous just thinking about it!).

Did you call them? [nosey]

Hi. I hope I don't flamed for making this comment but can I give a word of advice.

You have been out of the business for a while.
Don't hit your line manager with your holiday request as your very first question.

Do the usual hi, hows things? how is business? what projects are planned?, whats being restructured?....etc etc ie show you are still interested in the business and your work......

I am sure your child care plans are critical to you and have to be addressed but do show you are genuinely interested in the wider picture too.

I don't want to go into my whole history (it'll take hours) as to why I make this comment.....just take it in the spirit its intended.

Good luck and hope it goes well.

Netbook - no answer! I didn't try his mobile, though. I'll give it a few more days before I resort to that! Will try again tomorrow and will update.

Indaba - no flaming for that advice, it's a very sensible suggestion (and one I wouldn't have thought of on my own!). Unfortunately in the email I sent him I did hit him with the holiday thing straight away, but you're right - it must look pretty work-shy. You've made me rethink how I'll express myself over the phone, though. I'll definitely kick off with the swotty business questions first.

Still nothing to report. No answer again, so I left a message about how excited I was about coming back etc etc. I guess I should leave him until Monday and then try his mobile. If still no joy then onto HR (oooh, I can't help but think he'd have just got in touch if it was all straight forward...)

Hi . Have you heard back?

If not, you must be SO frustrated!

But do try and keep your cool.

Good luck!!

Hi Indaba - thanks for the support and sorry for the delay, couple of days of no computer. Haven't heard anything yet...very strange, isn't it? Will keep updating

Hi.

Been out of HR in the UK for a long time and thus don't know about current legislation re "Notice of Intention to Return to Work" letters but I think its worth putting something in writing about your wish to return to work. Would copy in HR too.

I'd make it a nice friendly letter. eg "you're sure everyone is very busy but you would like a conversation re return dates and other job issues. Looking forward to speaking to him/her soon..... etc etc.

Also make sure you are making a note of attempts to reach him.

Good luck.

Sorry, I didn't mean in your letter to him and HR you have to list the attempts you have made to reach him, just keep a note for yourself.

Aha! I've made contact! Turns out there's been a restructure and he's not my line manager anymore. His replacement starts next week, so he'll talk through my situation with her. I still feel massively jittery as it sounds like loads of people have "left" their jobs over the past year and I'm concerned about how secure my role will be. But I guess that's me and about 10 million other people in the same boat at the moment

phew.
hope next week goes well for you.