How to Manage Employees Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

Providing maternity leaves in Bahrain for women is a fundamental right which allows the mother to take care of herself and the infant. Maternity leave plays an essential role in developing a bond between the mother and the child and is influential in the further development of the baby. However, once the maternity leave ends and the mom decides to return to their work, it's often not a smooth road for them.

Readjusting to the work schedule is challenging for new moms, and the need to work away from their babies can be intimidating for them. So as an HR manager, you should help them adjust to the new reality, and responsibilities are crucial for both the employee and your company.

But first, you must understand the challenges a new mom faces when rejoining the office after maternity leave.

Challenges Faced by New Moms After Maternity Leave

Balancing Work and Family Commitments:

Many moms are divided between their responsibilities at work and at home, which causes feelings of guilt and stress. They may believe that they are failing to meet their responsibilities as a mother or as a professional, which can be a persistent cause of stress.

Physical Recovery:

Healing after childbirth can take months, and many women may still experience fatigue, discomfort, and other physical symptoms. These symptoms might make it difficult to function well at work, leading to feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction. If they undergo surgery for pregnancy, then their physical health can be even more complicated and challenging.

Changes in the Workplace:

While a mother is on leave, changes in the workplace may occur that are difficult to catch up on or adjust to when she returns. If your company undergoes significant changes in terms of employees and policies, it will be difficult for them to adjust to the new environment.

Guilt for Leaving the Baby:

This is a common challenge faced by almost all new mothers. They often experience the emotional toll of leaving their baby in the care of others, which can result in guilt and anxiety. They may be concerned about their baby's well-being and feel guilty for not being available to care for them. As they strive to manage their duties at work and home, this can make the transition back to work after maternity leave especially tough.

It's vital to remember that these difficulties are typical and that many working women successfully balance jobs and family life. To cope with the stress and difficulty of returning after maternity leave, you must encourage them to seek support from coworkers, family, and friends and consider services such as counseling or support groups.

Here are some strategies for adequately navigating the difficulties of returning from maternity leave:

Strategies to Navigate the Challenges After Returning From Maternity Leave

Devise a Plan:

Ask your employee to return to work a few weeks before your leave expires. This can assist them in becoming organized and making a move back to work easier. Waiting until their leave expires adds extra stress for them when the date is nearing.

Arrange a 1 to 1 Meeting:

Discuss your requirements and concerns about their return to work with your employee openly and honestly. Ask them if they need a flexible schedule, discuss any adjustments they may require, and get up to speed on any changes that have occurred while they are away.

Set Reasonable Expectations:

It's critical to be realistic about what they can and cannot handle after their return. Allow themselves time to adapt to their new routine and be flexible while managing the new mothers. You cannot expect their productivity levels to be the same as other employees, at least for the few weeks after their return. Instead, try to increase their productivity gradually over weeks.

Seek Help:

Encourage the employees to seek help from family, friends, and coworkers. Having a support system can significantly ease the move back to work. Suggest they attend a working mother's support group to connect with other women in similar situations.

Also, speak to the team they are working with and ask them to provide enough support. Excellent work culture in your company can make this easier, as your employees will stick with others during their hard times.

Create a Schedule:

Creating a timetable can help you manage their time more efficiently, particularly if they attempt to juggle work and family obligations. Ask them to include time in their calendar for self-care and rest. You can provide flexible work options often, which allows them to take enough rest. Also, you can provide mental health programs crucial for new mothers and help them navigate mental challenges such as postpartum depression.

Final Thoughts

Remember your employees that it's good to seek help and to take things slowly at first. Returning from maternity leave can be difficult, but with the appropriate support and measures, the adjustment can be made easier and more manageable for your employees.

As an HR manager, you are responsible for ensuring the workplace is safe and secure for your employees. You should provide them with care and enough time to adapt to the new reality once they return from maternity leave. In these cases, you must not always worry about their productivity. Instead, you should help your employees gradually sync with their roles and increase their output.

You can use a performance management system available in HR software in Bahrain to set realistic goals and track performance. This allows the new mothers to understand what is expected of them and how they contribute to the company. Implementing advanced technologies like HR management software in Bahrain in the mix will improve the quality of the workplace and will make your company a better place for all, including those who return from their maternity leaves in Bahrain.