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Bottles to Boardrooms: Transitioning Back to Work After Leave

Transitioning back to work after maternity leave can be overwhelming. Whether you've taken a few months or a few years off, you'll have to reacclimate yourself to your job and learn how to successfully balance career and family.

Though it will take time to get used to the new routine, here are a few tips to ensuring the transition is a smooth one:

• It's important to stay connected to your co-workers and colleagues during your leave. If you plan on going back to the same position, ask co-workers to copy you on important emails and reports at your home email address. You can check these emails at your leisure and on your own time, but it will help significantly when it's time to get back to work at catch up on what you missed.

• If you'll be on leave for an extended time and will be looking for a new job when you're ready to get back to work, staying connected to your colleagues will be important so that you can turn to them for guidance and assistance if finding a new position.
  
• You can also stay connected to your industry easily thanks to the Internet. Subscribe to any industry newsletters to keep up to date on trends and significant developments in your field.

• Arrange to go back to work on a Wednesday after your leave. After a few months or a few years off, you won't want to overwhelm yourself with a full work week. Going in on a Wednesday lets you get back into the swing of things a bit easier and lets you assess how the new experience of going home after work to your children will factor into your routine.

3. Discuss flex-time with your employer

• Many companies are more than willing to discuss flexibility with their employees because they want to retain strong workers as they transition to motherhood.

• Explore the options - such as working part-time, telecommuting, or going in at flexible hours - to find the solution that will work best for you and your employer.

4. Develop a network of support with other moms

• It's important to have a network of other moms you can turn to for support and advice. Take advantage of local moms groups in your area or take the initiative and spearhead a working moms group at your workplace.

5. Shed the guilt

• Although it can be difficult, try not to feel guilty about your decision -- or need -- to work. The majority of mothers in today's economy must work to support their families and guilt doesn't help anyone.
  
• It's important to note that a recent study of mothers found that working moms and stay-at-home moms spend the same amount of quality time with their children each week. The times or day and week vary, but on average, the hours together are equal.

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