Returning from maternity leave

[Buntings90]

Hi, hope someone can offer some advice

I returned from maternity leave (full 12 months) last week and the person covering my mat leave is supposed to be staying 4 weeks to handover and bring me up to speed.

Since I've started back, (I'm manager of a small team) I feel more like I'm not a returning manager, but I'm being treated as a new member of the team. I'm been designated jobs and told what to do etc. My team are not coming to me, they refer straight to my may leave cover. And then my back to work interview was done by him too!? This is crazy, It should be done by my line manager.

Also, a few times he has slipped up and inferred that he will be here for a lot longer than 4 weeks. I feel like I'm being pushed out of my job!

Ring ACAS or your union and speak with HR

I'd talk to your manager first. Ask if they can do a back to work interview with them, and clarify team processes (eg, who should junior people be coming to). Once you have that clarity the next part of the conversation should be how you communicate that to the team and make it happen in practice.

Of course, if your manager says that junior people should be coming to your replacement, an d so (presumably) you have a different role, you can think about HR/ unions/ whatever. But you'd be massively jumping the gun to do that first.

If your mat leave cover is still there it is somewhat understandable that junior members of staff are going to them - they’ve been doing that for 12 months so it’s habit.
They should definitely not have done your back to work meeting or have anything to do any HR processes involving you.
My recommendation would be to speak to your manager about it. And also book one to ones in with all your reports so that they’re aware you’re once again their manager.

@HelloHummingbird

Ring ACAS or your union and speak with HR

No, that's a total overreaction.

Stick up for yourself!

1. Hold meeting with mat cover person and tell them how and when tasks will be transitioned back. Write it down and have daily meeting to review. Take charge and don't let them take over.
2. Hold a team meeting and remind team to talk to you from now on. Invite mat cover person to see you do this.
3. hold 1:1's with team members and remind them you are their manager. Ask cover person to do appraisals for them all and then hold meetings to set objectives etc so team se you as the boss
4. Arrange 1:1 with your manager and tell them what you are doing. Ask when cover is leaving. Confirm their expectations of split of responsibilities and tasks during handover period. Write it down and email it to both of them

You just need better communication and more assertiveness.

I'm guessing neither are trying trying to push you out, just being insensitive, though yes, mat cover person may have personal agenda (hoping for an extension or perm job). Line manager is being lazy.

Don't be passive, take action. If that doesn't work THEN talk to HR.

My advice is not a total reaction. Get union advice on how to act whilst protecting your back @OP rather than relying on strangers on here. Also get advice and get up to speed on what's happening in your business so you're clued up,not to complain.

Thank you all for your replies

I do need to be more assertive, I think I've lost a bit of confidence to be honest, 12 months off and having a baby during the pandemic has been really tough. Never the less I will go in tomorrow and ask for meeting with my line manager and discuss my concerns.

@LemonGelato has given excellent advice OP, I think you should do all of those things. Definitely don’t just discuss your concerns with your manager. Take action to address your concerns yourself, and discuss/inform your manager as well.

@Buntings90

Thank you all for your replies

I do need to be more assertive, I think I've lost a bit of confidence to be honest, 12 months off and having a baby during the pandemic has been really tough. Never the less I will go in tomorrow and ask for meeting with my line manager and discuss my concerns.

I forgot to add to my post, of course coming back will have meant you have lost some confidence. That's normal at best of times, most people feel 'rusty' and bit uncertain at first, less alone after a pandemic.

I've done a few handovers myself to people coming back and it always takes them a wee while to ease back in, get used to working again and to a new routine with work & baby. It's even harder if your cover is not facilitating that in a professional way.

The list of actions I suggested are what I (in HR) would ask someone in your situation if they came to me with your concerns. If you hadn't tried those steps first I'd be suggesting you do, before doing anything more drastic. A decent union rep would advise the same. But both HR and TU rep can be there for support if things don't improve.

Hope your meeting goes well.