Back To Work With Your Current Employer 

 

Getting back to work as smoothly as possible.... 


In an ideal world WorkAfterKids shouldn't have to give any advice on this subject at all!
Unfortunately even the best companies to work for sometimes don't get everything right first time; here, WorkAfterKids will look at what you need to know to make your return go as smoothly as possible.

We cover issues such as flexible working on other pages, but here are some general areas to consider when planning your return to work.
  • Keep up to date generally with what is happening in your workplace - going back will be challenging enough without discovering on your first day back that your department is moving location!
  • Keep in touch with your manager - get your manager to keep you informed of what's happening on a regular basis by phone or email.
  • Keep in touch with colleagues - your colleagues may be better placed to give you the lowdown on what is happening with the people at your workplace - knowing in advance that a colleague is having a difficult time in their life may save awkward moments when you get back.
  • Prepare for changes to your task and possible retraining - do you have skills or qualifications that may have lapsed or need updating since you've been away?
  • Use "KIT" days - KIT (keep-in-touch) days are designed to help both you and your employer make your return easier. KIT days won't affect your entitlement to maternity pay and are optional but should help you with the points above.

Of course returning to work is not just about your worklife, it's about your family too...
  • Plan childcare arrangements - don't leave it too late! The best childcare in your area may have waiting lists - if you plan to return soon after birth you may need to start looking for childcare early in your pregnancy.
  • Help in the home - it may be the time to consider some domestic help, perhaps a cleaner for a couple of hours a week may ease the pressure on everyone.
  • Transport - you may have used public transport to get to work before; will that work now you have to go via your childcare provider?
  • Could your partner be more flexible? - increased paternity rights may make it easier for your partner to work flexibly. Even if just for a short period, this could help your return to work greatly.
These are just some of the areas you'll have to consider; ask yourself these three questions about all areas of your life and you will make your return easier:
  • What do we do now?
  • How will it change?
  • How do we manage that change?

We hope that the rest of WorkAfterKids will give you the help and advice you need.