We spoke to Jennifer Smith, Partner at Forbes Solicitors, about her experience of having an extended period of leave and returning to work following this. Jen returned in May 2023 after having her second son, Teddy and spending 10 months on maternity leave.
Background
Jen had only been at Forbes for three months when she found out that she was pregnant and was naturally a little apprehensive about sharing the news that she would need to take maternity leave so soon after joining. However, Jen had absolutely nothing to worry about and her experience was extremely positive. Her line manager immediately hugged her and kept telling her what wonderful news this was and how excited she was for Jen. This positivity was echoed throughout the firm.
Leading up to starting maternity leave, Forbes surprised Jen with a speech in front of her colleagues thanking her for her valued contribution to date and presented her with lots of lovely gifts for both Jen and Teddy.
Communication during the period of absence
They looked after her very well whilst she was on leave, with lots of communication and engagement, as she had requested. She was still invited to socials (formal and informal), away days, Christmas parties and the Staff Conference.
Whilst she was off, Jen’s line manager and another team member came to meet Teddy, which she was delighted by. There was a genuine interest to check in with Jen and make sure that she was OK (and of course steal some baby cuddles!).
Returning to work
Jen returned to work on a full-time basis, although she had Fridays off for a while due to having accrued annual leave.
Her first day back at work was fantastic and she was welcomed back with lots of WhatsApp messages on the morning of her first day, welcome greetings and a bottle of wine from her team. Her desk had been set up for her and the HR team reached out to set up a wellbeing check in and a “re-induction” was arranged.
Six months after Jen returned to work, she was put forward for a promotion, which she achieved within twelve months.
Jen had incredible experience and Forbes really looked after her.
It can be quite daunting to return to work and putting these things in place will make it easier.
Advice for a returning employee
When asked what advice she would have for someone who is due to return to work after an extended period of leave, Jen recommended contacting your manager or someone in HR for a catch up in advance of your return, if they haven’t reached out already, which hopefully they will have. She suggested arranging to go for a coffee or having a quick call with colleagues before your first day back in the office or arrange to go for lunch with them on your first day. It can be quite daunting to return to work and putting these things in place will make it easier.
Advice for firms
Jen felt it was important for a company to ensure that they have a process in place for a returning employee to bring them up to speed immediately and update them on any changes. She agreed that it’s the simple things that make a difference on the first day back: making sure their door pass is working; setting up their desk up; checking their printer access is set up; greeting them at the door to welcome them back and arranging a welcome back team lunch.
Finally, having the right processes and training programmes for returning employees is key.
For details of the courses that we can deliver to support your returning employees, please click here.