So I have recently returned to work after 12 months Mat leave only to find that my role is completely different.
I understand the rules around returning after 6 months and after 12. After 12 you're entitled to your job, same terms and conditions etc as it was unless not reasonably practicable. My role was covered internally and someone else employed (on a permanent basis) to fill the gaps further down the chain, so to speak. In the lead up to my return, I put a request for flexible working to request to drop down to 4 days and explained that I felt I would manage to do my role as it was before going off, within those days, with only a few tasks to be kept by other team members. This was accepted with no discussion or protest from my boss. There was no mention of what I would or wouldn't be doing on my return.
On return, I was informed that I would be doing a completely different set of tasks for a period of time, I have since queried this with my boss and expressed my desire to return to the tasks that I had done pre baby. This was just skirted round, no direct answer. I have also had direct reports taken away from me. The tasks I now do have fewer responsibilities than my role before.
I just dont know what to make of it all to be honest. It has been the worst welcome back to the place I have worked for 10+ years. No desk on return, phone number given to someone else, excluded from nights out, not told about training while on mat leave (training for what is now a huge part of the role, I could have utilised KIT days for), kept out of team meetings... its all just a bit overwhelming. I'm sure many can relate to the feeling of returning to work but that combined with feeling so unwelcome is just not great.
Just looking to see if anyone else has had similar experiences and what you did? Is it a suck it up and get on with it scenario?