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The Last Word Welcoming mothers back into the workplace
We took to our social media platforms to ask the MARCH8 community their thoughts on some of today’s most current topics
This month’s question:
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How can businesses welcome mothers back into the workplace after maternity leave?
“Make sure everyone in the company is aware that the person returning to work is starting. Invite them for coffee, have a welcome back call, or just drop them a message to ask how they’re getting on. It’s easy to accidentally miss people out of calls in those early weeks, but forgetting isn’t an excuse.
Managers need to give them settling in time, and encourage breaks to ensure they don’t burn out. Assure them that any childcare issues may crop up and that’s okay – you are working to a new routine”
Sophie Creese
“By recognising the challenge in coming back isn’t just about childcare, travel and missed work themes. It’s a huge mental shift after a life-changing milestone that comes with confidence issues, a lot of “Coming ‘back to work’ is a daunting emotional processing and personal priority and nerve racking experience; I remember shifts. Supporting your returners both crying on the train once. Welcoming mothers back mentally as well as practically can really needs to begin before the woman returns to work, make a difference” and it's important not to lose contact during maternity Yvonne Filler leave. Inclusivity is paramount, so employers can still update colleagues and invite them for refresher days to ease them back into the workplace gently”
