Many women are choosing to work after having children. Being a parent is lovely, but returning to work can be a difficult transition. Every restless night feels completely new while you’re learning how to parent. Some mothers find it intolerable to return to work so soon.
However, data show that more than 50% of women go back to work after their maternity leave. Why? Some people come back for financial reasons, while others come back to keep up their abilities.
In either case, it is crucial for women to feel supported when going back to work to maintain their mental and emotional health, and corporations can implement a few simple measures to ease the transition.
Offer Flexibility
Even though I worked for a corporation, my manager gave me flexible hours during the first year of my motherhood. As a result, I worked as a truck parking agent in the back office rather than seeing clients in person, which made it simpler for me to pump as I could take breaks as needed. They also suggested that I work fewer hours than I usually would.
Giving people, especially new moms, the chance to work at first from home, part-time, or in a reduced capacity might aid in their adjustment to their new situation. This decision reduces the possibility of employee burnout leading to turnover and gives them more confidence about returning.
Providing Lactation Room
Employers are required to provide a private area that is not a restroom for nursing mothers. “Private” denotes that a worker cannot be seen when pumping breast milk in front of other employees.
The business has a genuine interest in assisting its employees who are moms by offering lactation support. When I was a front desk agent, I recall how time-consuming pumping all day was. Imagine removing your uniform, putting it back on, and then removing it once more. Mothers need the private space the lactation room provides.
Encourage Community and Well-Being
When I returned to work, I had trouble establishing a new routine and rhythm. It didn’t help that I was working on a unique iOT project with not much training.
However, the biggest challenge was balancing life and work. Its hard to consider self-care with so much work to be done.
Therefore, when my employer held a class on self-care and makeup, I was overjoyed. It served as a reminder of my pre-motherhood self and the fact that I still require this even after becoming a parent.
Mothers who have recently returned to work benefit from these activities because they boost confidence and morale. It also creates a place where working parents can connect, share resources, and find community.
Give compassion
Parents who are returning to work after a leave frequently experience feelings of guilt, worry, and despair. Employers must understand that new parents may experience emotional difficulties as a result of this significant life event.
I was extremely appreciative when my coworkers and my closest friend dropped by my office during my first week back to help me with all the unfinished business I had while I was on leave. Working is enjoyable, but working alongside someone who genuinely wants to help me fuels my drive. We frequently talk about our experiences as new parents while at work. Is every moment easy? No, but we approach our job and one another knowing that we’re giving our best effort at work and home.
My Re-entry into the Workforce
Being a mother is frequently cited as the toughest job there is. I agree, but as a working mother, I am incredibly appreciative because I never thought I would be a mother. I enjoy being part of both worlds.
In the beginning, life was very difficult. I cried every day when I had to say farewell to my child. Following that, I dealt with traffic and my engorged milk factory, both obviously uncomfortable. And finally, the early-morning strain and tension at work.
But life shifted when I started working from home. It was the best choice I had ever made-not exaggerating.
Working from home gives me security and peace of mind. I can still see my kid playing by my side, I no longer cry when I have to go to work. I spend more time with my daughter while working.
Yes, it took me some time to settle into a routine that worked for me. When I finally struck a balance, I was overjoyed that I could continue working and have a family life. It just took a little flexibility and determination.
