Becoming a mother is a life-altering experience, one filled with joy, challenges, and profound changes. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong time to return to work. For some mums, who are eager to get back into the office after maternity leave, they need to be supported with that transition. Once you become a parent, your time outside of work is no longer your own. As you switch off from work, you switch on to parenting. This can leave virtually no time for self care and relaxation. While the bond with a newborn is paramount, there is a significant desire among new mothers to re-engage with their professional lives and some even feel anxiety from being away from work for such a long period of time. Have you ever heard a new parent say that coming to work is like a break? This is because the opportunity to use their skills, interact with colleagues, and take on new challenges is invigorating. However, for this transition to be successful, workplaces need to offer more than just flexibility—they need to provide holistic support that addresses the unique needs of returning mums.
The Case for Returning to Work
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room: the notion that all new mums don’t want to leave their babies and return to work. This may be true for some, but there are others who crave adult conversation, and their professional lives back. It’s not about a lack of love or dedication to their children; it’s about reclaiming a part of their identity that exists outside of motherhood. Engaging in professional tasks offers intellectual stimulation and a sense of accomplishment that many miss during maternity leave. Moreover, the workplace can provide a much-needed social outlet, allowing new mums to interact with adults and discuss topics beyond nappies and feeding schedules. There are also other parents at different stages of their journey in the workplace, who can be invaluable in offering advice and support.
The Need for Holistic Support
While the desire to return to work is strong, the reality of balancing professional responsibilities with new motherhood can be daunting. This is where holistic support becomes crucial. It’s not enough to simply offer flexible hours or the ability to work from home. New mums need comprehensive support systems that cater to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are a few innovative ideas:
Office Massage
The physical strain of motherhood, from carrying a baby to the often disrupted sleep patterns, takes its toll on the body. An in-office massage service can provide new mums with much-needed relief and relaxation. Regular chair massages can alleviate back pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, making it easier for them to focus and be productive at work.
Office Pilates Classes
Physical fitness is often sidelined in the chaos of early motherhood. Offering lunchtime post-natal office Pilates classes can help new mums rebuild their strength and flexibility. Pilates is particularly beneficial as it focuses on core stability, which is essential for recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. These classes can also serve as a mental break, helping mums recharge and return to their desks with renewed energy
Office Beauty Services eg. in-office manicures
A simple express gel manicure in the office between meetings or a quick beauty treatment can do wonders for a new mum’s confidence. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about feeling good. Small gestures like in-office manicures from employers can make a significant difference in how new mums perceive themselves and their ability to manage both work and home life. It’s a reminder that they are not just caregivers but individuals who deserve care and pampering too. It also means that rather than having to rush out in their lunch break or on the weekend when they want to spend quality time with their child(ren), they have accomplished a small bit of self care efficiently during the working day.
Flexibility and Beyond
Flexibility remains a cornerstone of supporting new mums, but it should be complemented with other supportive measures. Flexibility in work hours and remote work options are great, but combining these with in-office wellness services creates an environment where new mums can thrive. A workplace that offers a holistic approach to well-being demonstrates a genuine commitment to its employees’ overall health and happiness. It’s also a place that people want to come to, so if your team are expected to be office based for all or part of the week, this really helps motivate them and anchors them into the office.
Conclusion
The transition back to work after maternity leave is a complex and deeply personal journey. While many new mums are eager to return to their professional roles, they need more than just flexible hours to make it work. By incorporating office massages, Pilates classes, and express office beauty services into the workplace, employers can create a supportive environment that not only acknowledges the challenges of new motherhood but actively helps to alleviate them. This approach not only benefits new mums but also fosters a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce. It’s time to rethink how we support new mothers in the workplace—because if you look after the mothers in your workplace, everyone wins.