So, I told my boss this week that I'm pregnant (2nd baby). I'm in a senior role at the company and have been there almost 8 years.
For my first Mat Leave, we had less structure but my most senior direct report stepped up to cover (and we promoted other team members and hired elsewhere in the team to even out responsibilities). I was the one to suggest this arrangement - this person had worked there almost as long as me, we are close and I knew she'd be happy to resume less responsibility again when I was back. I was happy with how things went but the company went through quite a bit of change and this person did unfortunately have to take on more than anyone bargained for. When I came back and on many occasions since, my boss said we would never let me go again without getting someone in for full cover as it was too much.
Fast forward to now. I told my boss early this week about my news and she has already provisionally agreed with the board that they will recruit for a maternity contract to replace me. We told the three managers who report into me together yesterday too. One of these managers, is the one who covered me last time and coincidentally handed her notice in a few weeks ago. We just hired her replacement yesterday after having interviews, though this replacement won't start for at least two months. One of the other managers is great but has been with us less than a year, then the third manager has been there longer but is a little less senior and works across more of a separate area.
Anyway, my boss text me this morning (I've had the day off today) to say the second manager (who's been with us less than a year) asked to speak to her and has asked to step up as my maternity cover. She said she hasn't promised her anything but has asked her to produce a bit of a proposal and speak to me about it next week. My boss unfortunately is now away for 2-3 weeks so I don't think I'll get an opportunity to hear exactly what was said.
I have concerns with this potential arrangement. Before I was promoted to my role, I covered mat leave for the person previously in my now role. It was a different situation as I'd actually been there longer than her and to be quite honest, always felt on a par with her, however she was brought in as she had more 'big brand' experience. Me covering her did not go so well. I did a great job (as I had been doing before she was hired tbh) and the dynamic was then weird when she came back, I think she struggled to find her place again which I did sympathise with. She ended up leaving - she wasn't a very nice person and rubbed a lot of people up the wrong way. I later found out she'd tried to get me sacked on her return, claiming I'd not done a good job of cover which simply was not true, and my boss didn't entertain it as she saw that I had done a good job with results speaking for themself.
Anyway, this manager who's a direct report of mine is a lovely person, but I do carry that worry that the dynamic would be weird on my return. Also, the three managers I mentioned cover three departments. She only has experience in the department she's managing now. So I don't see her just assuming my role, I think if anything it would be a joint effort with the other managers. However this is made very tricky with the one who is leaving as her replacement will only get 2 1/2 months with me. I also hate the idea of someone stepping up to have to step back down again. I myself found it difficult when I did it.
The other alternative is a completely new replacement covering me on a 12 month contract but I have my worries with that too. I love my team and current managers so that does still feel less scary than someone who might try to change everything while I'm gone?
Phew, thanks for sticking with me if you're still here!
So really I'm keen to hear other people's experiences with someone (or multiple people) stepping up to cover them, and also someone covering from outside the business on a maternity contract?
TIA 😊