More Than a Day Off: Why Returning to Work After Maternity Leave Requires a Redefined Approach
Returning to work after maternity leave is often seen as a simple transition, as if a mother has merely taken an extended sick day. But the reality is anything but simple. The year or so spent away from the workplace is not a static pause; it's a transformative period, a profound journey known as "matrescence." The process of becoming a mother, hardly ever talked about.
This isn't a holiday. For many, it's a marathon of sleepless nights, the relentless cries of colic, the stress of dealing with reflux, and in some cases, the immense challenge of navigating postnatal depression and everything else in between. A mother's entire world, identity, and perspective shift. Sometimes, they've been through a living nightmare in the quiet confines of their home, battling physical and emotional exhaustion, and yet, they are expected to seamlessly slot back into their professional role as if nothing has changed.
The workplace itself rarely stands still either. While a mother has been away, technology has evolved, processes have been updated, and team dynamics have shifted. The person who left is not the same person who returns. They bring with them a new lens on life, a different set of priorities, and a deeper sense of empathy and resilience forged in the fires of early motherhood.
Expecting them to re-engage as if they've just had a day off is not only unrealistic—it’s a recipe for burnout and a loss of valuable talent.
This is where dedicated support comes in. Coaching for returning mothers is not about "fixing" them. It’s about meeting them where they are and giving them the tools and space they need to rebuild their confidence and find their new rhythm. It's about acknowledging the immense shift they've undergone and helping them integrate their new identity as a mother with their professional ambitions.
Coaching can help in a number of ways:
Bridging the Gap: We can work together to help mothers get up to speed with new technology and processes, smoothing the transition back into the flow of the business.
Building Confidence: We focus on rediscovering strengths and re-establishing professional identity, ensuring they feel confident and capable in their role.
Navigating the New Normal: We provide strategies for managing the juggle—balancing professional demands with the realities of being a parent, setting healthy boundaries, and managing energy effectively.
Creating a Strategy: We work on career planning, helping them see how their new skills (resilience, time management, problem-solving under pressure) can be leveraged for future growth.
I believe in a truly tailored approach. I work closely with my clients to understand their unique journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My coaching is a collaborative partnership, designed to empower returning mothers to not just survive but thrive in their professional lives.