Yes, when you are pregnant, and still at work, it really is important to look far ahead, and start planning your return. It really helps doing it now, as you are still in work-mode and your mind is focussed on what is key for the business (well apart from the occasional distraction by a kick in your tummy, that is).
The top things we recommend that will really help smooth your return are:
1. Book in meetings, conferences or training for your return
Getting dates in the diary shows that you are serious about returning and you will keep yourself on the business radar. If necessary, you can change dates or you can use these events as part of your Keeping in Touch allowance if you’re not ready to return when planned. KIT days are there for women to allow them to undertake working days within the business without going back on the official payroll and without losing Statutory Maternity Pay entitlements.
2. Plan when and how you want to keep in touch with the organisation during maternity leave
At the very least ask your manager to contact you if there are significant changes that impact you, your role or your department. E-mail is a great medium as you can take https://www.eta-i.org/sildenafil.html your time to respond (if appropriate), and you’re not going to be trying to have a discussion over the screams of a small hungry baby.
You may not want to remain on every distribution list, but better to filter through some unwanted e-mails than miss out on important information.
Do try to maintain some distance however, particularly if someone is formally covering your role – they have a right to get on with the job without interference!
So do look ahead, while you are still at work. It will make an immense difference and help you in your return.
Author: Tamsin Crook, founder of Making Careers Work – a maternity coaching and career support service which helps mums and mums-to-be reach their full potential in their careers within the dynamic context of their family life. As a mum of three boys herself, she understands the desire to try to balance the needs of the family with personal career ambitions – not always straightforward! Tamsin works with women at all stages of motherhood, and is based in Thames Ditton, Surrey.
Tamsin is one of the key contributors to Mum & Career and has written most pages on Maternity Leave for us.
0 Comments