Navigating the Return to Work After Parental Leave

The transition to being a working parent is a significant challenge. Amy Beacom, founder and CEO of the Center for Parental Leave Leadership, states that transitioning to being a working parent can be challenging as parents learn new roles under pressure with limited sleep, guidance, and support.

In the United States, this transition is often abrupt. A 2012 report found that one in four women return to work within two weeks of having a baby, a situation exacerbated by the lack of federal paid leave policies.

Proactive Planning for a Smoother Return

Experts advise that preparation can make the return to work more manageable. A key step is to plan ahead with your employer.

Beacom recommends creating a plan for the first day, week, and month back at work and discussing it with managers before taking leave.

She also suggests scheduling a brief check-in with the employer during leave to prepare for the return. A practical tip is to return mid-week, which allows time to adjust before resuming full responsibilities.

Requesting Workplace Accommodations

Many returning parents hesitate to ask for changes, assuming their work arrangements are fixed. However, Beacom encourages employees to speak up.

According to Beacom, returning parents often assume their work arrangements are fixed and do not request accommodations from employers.

She notes that companies generally aim to keep employees satisfied and productive, so they may agree to reasonable requests. Workplace flexibility often depends on employee requests.

Examples of potential accommodations include:

• Negotiating schedule adjustments, such as shifting work hours to help with commuting or childcare logistics.
• Discussing phased returns or temporary modifications to workload.

Managing Personal Expectations

Adjusting one’s own expectations is as crucial as managing work logistics. Darby Saxbe, a brain researcher, advises parents to lower standards and accept that they may not excel in all areas.

Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First, echoes this sentiment, suggesting being intentional about adding responsibilities and distinguishing between needs and optional achievements.

There can also be positive changes. Saxbe states that some parents report becoming more disciplined and efficient after having children. She adds an important note on the long-term adjustment: parenting can change the brain and body, and it may take months to years for new parents to feel fully themselves again.