This article summarises how to manage return to work conversations to ensure a successful process.
By actively supporting and facilitating a smooth return-to-work process, managers can contribute to the overall well-being, job satisfaction, and retention of parental leavers. Their understanding, flexibility, and proactive communication play a crucial role in helping employees’ transition successfully back into the workplace.
Return to Work conversations – it’s important to;
Not make assumptions. Ask your team member what they want or need. With regard to their career aspirations, they may want new and challenging projects or they might prefer to return to familiar work. There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s important you ask them so their role can be structured to meet their needs and the needs of the business.
Gain understanding - speak with working parents in your organisation to understand their experiences / what did they found helpful / what would they would do differently next time, how their managers supported them. What worked well and could have been improved.
Be open to discussing their needs. Reassure them that you’re committed to supporting them and helping them find the best outcome. For example, you may discuss a graduated return to work as a potential option.
Be comfortable with asking them what they need. For example, if they’re a woman with a baby, they might be breastfeeding when they return to work and require access to breaks and on-site facilities to either breastfeed or express.
Have an open mind about possible solutions. For example, working flexibly doesn’t only mean working from home, so learn about the wide range of leave and flexible working options available at your organisation. Options can be mixed-and-matched to suit individual and team needs.
Work with your team member on a plan around the delivery of their key projects and responsibilities. Help them prioritise and plan for integrating back into the team and for the workload.
Remember that adapting to a new routine of working while being a parent or carer can be challenging. What works today may not work tomorrow or next week. So, keep talking with your team member and ask them what support they need.