Top Tips from Working Mums #3: Workplace Management
A Back To Work Coach Survey of 178 mums has identified that workplace management is the third most important thing you can do for yourself as you return to work.
Right up there with self-care and expectations of self and getting organised, working mums have said that how you start back at work is crucial to ongoing work/life satisfaction and sustainability.
They encourage you to:
Stay in touch with a work friend while you’re away to keep in the loop
Ease back in and give yourself time to adjust to your new normal (this may mean starting part-time and then increasing your hours over time)
Make use of all of the flexible work options available to you
Clarify expectations with your manager and workmates
Start as you mean to go on
Try to leave work at work
Adjust your work arrangements as your family needs change
Learn to say no to additional and/or non-priority demands
Don’t apologise for being a mum, working part-time, or having kids!
In their own words, here is just some of their wisdom…
“Ease into it where possible. Build the hours up so it's not a complete shock to you and your child” - back at work more than 18 months
“Don't do work when you are not at work” - back at work more than 18 months
“Negotiate a schedule that works for you. There is a talent shortage and flexible working is now considered the norm” - back at work more than 18 months
“If you can, schedule set work days and non-work days and stick to them” - back at work more than 18 months
“Don’t undermine being part time …. ‘I’m just part-time’” - back at work more than 18 months
“Disconnect from work at the end of the day. Don't check emails or take calls in your own time” - back at work between 6 and 18 months
“If you don’t love your old job find a job you can fall in love with. Your job has to be right for you - you need to be happy as this is time away from your family” - back at work more than 18 months
“Make clear expectations with work so they know what you’re contributing during whatever time you’re there and you know what they need from you” - back at work between 6 and 18 months
“Use your network and colleagues to support and bring you back up to speed” - back at work between 6 and 18 months
“Don’t make your kids an excuse. You can add as much value in 6 hours as many do in 10” - back at work more than 18 months
“Don't apologise for not understanding something, it's perfectly appropriate to ask questions” - back at work more than 18 months
“Talk to people about how you're feeling - you'll find other parents at work who know how it feels and you can share with them as you go” - back at work more than 18 months
The message is clear: Know what you want. Know how you want to go about it. And then talk about these things with your manager and peers.
If you have questions about how to make the back to work transition work for you, either contact Rebekah on rebekah@thebacktoworkcoach.com or connect via LinkedIn for an obligation-free chat.
