MATERNITY TIPS
Ever worried how to tell your employer your pregnant, or how to return to working at your pre-baby level? Maternity coaching has the answers: 1 You can never communicate too much. Don’t let your employer assume what you will want to do on your return. Tell them. Think of the consequences of having a negative discussion. 2 Decide how and when you want to leave. Build in some leeway and be part of the solutions for the company in filling your work when you are away. You could be part of hiring someone new or of sharing out the workload amongst team members. Communicate your leave as a development opportunity for your staff. 3 Wait before setting parameters. You don’t know how you are going to feel or what it is going to be like, post-baby. 4 Keep in touch. Make sure your employer knows at what level you want to be kept involved, during your maternity leave. 5 Back to work. Meet colleagues and bosses for coffee. Find out what has been going on. Remind yourself about all the good things about work. 6 Decide what is important. Be explicit if your job is important and you want to come back and continue with your career. You have to say what you want. 7 Talk about how you want to come back. The practical things to put in place. If your employer blocks you from trying to make things work, they are not going to keep you. 8 Your employer should consider your requests. Think — what are they concerned about? If they are going to allow you to work nonstandard hours, how are you going to make sure nothing suffers as a result? 9 Put practical supports in place. You’re going to need a cleaner... 10 Own your decision. Don’t apologise for asking for concessions if you are clear you are still going to deliver.