Maternity Leave: How To Stay In Touch With Your Colleagues During This Period

A few years ago, Infosys released a mobile app called Sapphire. The app gives women employees on maternity leave organizational updates and lets them take training courses online. MindTree has a similar app called MiLady. Many organizations are taking such initiatives to keep their employees motivated and updated during maternity leave. This is a great way to retain mothers who go on a break.

If you’re planning to go back to the same workplace after your break, it’s important to keep up with the latest news and major changes in your team and organization.

The last few days of your pregnancy and the initial days after birth will go in a blur. You won’t have the time to think about your work or coworkers. But, after a few weeks, when you’ve fallen into an acceptable schedule with your little one, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your teammates. It can be an opportunity to continue friendships, know about the happenings in your workplace, and upgrade your skills. Most of the time, companies assume that you’re less likely to be interested in career advancements once you have a baby. Your proactive reaching out will show your employer that you’re keen on returning to work.

Essentially, connecting with your employer frequently will safeguard your career. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Follow the industry news

Your little dumpling means the world to you—it’s normal to want to be at your baby’s side, observing all their adorable antics. But take some time to refresh yourself about what’s happening in your industry. Regularly check the news and your company’s website for important updates and announcements. All this information can come in handy when you call your teammates to chitchat. If you’re interested in any new technology, you can upgrade your skills by doing online and distance courses. Your baby is still small and will sleep for a considerable time. So, you can use this time to learn new skills. Soon enough, your child will be more active, and you’ll be pressed for time.

REMEMBER

This is your maternity break, so don’t make it all about your career. Make sure to spend enough time with your little one and rest as much as you can. You can check your workplace updates once a week or so.

2. Keep in touch

Many workplaces have initiatives like “‘Keep in Touch” (KIT) ’days, where you can work for a limited number of days, say 1–2 days per month. The idea is to help employees on break stay in touch with their skills and ease their transition to full-time work. If your employer offers KIT days, utilize them. This will help you and your family adapt to your work schedule slowly. Also, if your team members are going to an official party and you’re invited, try as much as possible to make it. Don’t miss the chance to bond with your teammates.

REMEMBER

Going to your workplace during your maternity break is optional. You and your employer can agree and choose what works mutually. If your employer is expecting you to work more than you intend to, take it up with HR and sort it out. You’re entitled to your break, and your employer cannot force you to work during your break if you don’t want to.

3. Check in with team via online forums

Log into your official forums or WhatsApp group to say hi to your coworkers. You can check out the latest developments in your team and understand what type of work and issues are going on. Don’t shy away from offering advice and suggestions, if you have any. When you’re involved in the conversations, your coworkers will consider you as an active member contributing to the team. Keep the communication channel open, and your teammates will rely on you for any doubts and clarifications. This can also boost your confidence and give you a break from thinking about your baby all the time.

As a new mother, you may be prone to mood swings and depression. If you take your mind away from your parenting woes and indulge in some grown-up conversations, it can keep those negative thoughts at bay.

REMEMBER

Strike a balance. Making yourself available for your teammates’ doubts doesn’t mean you have to work full time. A little help here and there is fine. If you’re expected to coordinate with your team for a good chunk of your day, it’s not fair. So, draw a line on how much you’re willing to help and how often.

4. Introduce your little one

Once your baby is slightly bigger, you can take her to your workplace and introduce your little champ to the team. Before you go ahead and pack your diaper bags, check with your employer if it’s okay to bring your baby. Schedule your visit such that you’re not distracting everyone during peak hours. And remember not to take more than 30 minutes. You can visit a few minutes before lunchtime or toward the closing time. It’s important to let your team know of your arrival beforehand, and make sure you’re not interrupting any critical meetings.

REMEMBER

Your baby means everything to you, but don’t expect others to have the same feelings. Everyone is different, and some employees may not like mixing personal and professional lives. So, learn to agree to disagree. At the same time, connect with your teammates who are willing to know more about your baby. Ask how they are doing and listen to their personal stories as well—-don’t make it all about you and your little one.

So, go ahead and take some time to call your team and check how they’re doing. Or, visit your workplace. Don’t let the mom's guilt stop you. You’re not doing any harm to your baby by taking a few hours every week away from her. Your career is important, too.