Productivity is not everything. When you start a family or welcome another child into your home, learning to balance your career with your family becomes more important than ever. Expectant mothers need time to nurture their bodies, calm their souls and prepare their homes – and once your child arrives, you will want to spend as much time as possible in contact with your newborn.
Achieving the boundaries you want from your workplace is an effort that begins long before birth. When you learn to say no, set expectations and prepare your staff before you go on vacation, you can lay the foundation for a healthy work-life balance and get out of there without any worries or guilt. Setting boundaries early – and taking steps to maintain them – is the key to avoiding “emergency” calls from your company and customers while you are on maternity leave.
Strong boundaries are not just great for you and your child. They can also help you improve your personal relationships, including those with your spouse and all existing children, who may experience a drastic change in family dynamics when your new baby arrives. By clarifying your availability before, during and after maternity leave, you can take time for a family connection and never worry about work interfering.
Considering the value of strong maternity leave boundaries, let’s dive into some tips for setting the right boundaries.
How to set strong boundaries before your maternity leave
Once you announce a pregnancy in your workplace, your manager and staff members will begin to wonder what this means for their workload and responsibilities. The best way to alleviate their concerns while emphasizing that you will not be available for work is by opening transparent conversations with the people who will be affected by your vacation.
intercom
At least two months before the maternity leave, prepare an action plan for the absence. Identify priority tasks that you will complete before you leave, and then choose who will take over each of your responsibilities while you do not.
Essential preparation for securing your maternity leave without work calls. Start training employees to take over your tasks at least a month before your vacation. In addition, keep communication lines open with them so they can ask questions freely until they feel comfortable in their temporary role.
If you want your work life to look different when you return to work, also start talking to your manager about expectations after maternity leave. For example, you could ask to work from home or go hybrid – at least until your baby is weaned – or just make it clear that you will no longer be available for overtime.
Customer communication
If you work directly with long-term clients, do not forget to put them in a loop for a conversation. Assure them that they will still get the service they expect, but make it clear which team members they will work with instead. Make dating easy to ensure they form a relationship before you go.
Maintaining boundaries during your maternity leave
Your maternity leave is your time to disconnect and focus on your new family. However, sticking to your boundaries can be the hardest thing. Whether you feel guilt pushing you back to work or peeking into your inbox (where emails pile up), it’s important to remind yourself that work is not important at this stage of your life.
Getting into a home routine Is a great way to keep yourself busy with your baby. Schedule meals, naps, play time and cuddle with your child, and be sure to make time for personal care. Chat with your partner about when he is available to take on the responsibility so you can schedule yourself showers and nap times.
At the beginning of your maternity leave, check again that you have set up an expulsion notice – which should include the time frame of your leave and alternate contact points – for anyone who sends you an email at work. In the rare event that you reply to an email, be sure to be determined that the person you are emailing will not expect another response until your return date.
Finding balance after maternity leave
When you return to work, you may be tempted to go straight back into the groove, working the same hours at the same pace as you did before your vacation. However, this may not be a good option for every mom. For example, you may need to be home earlier or more often than in the past due to childcare needs. Reassess your collective needs, then have another conversation with your manager and team members to re-adjust expectations as needed.
Taking care of yourself is also essential. The transition between maternity leave and work can be difficult for new mothers both physically and emotionally. If you experience extreme fatigue and slump in the afternoon, consider taking breaks Get out, take a nap or exercise, All of which can help you regain your energy. Do not be afraid to take mental health days if you are struggling with missing your child or postpartum depression.
Constant communication is the key to setting strong boundaries once you return from maternity leave – especially when you discover a need for schedule changes due to your baby’s needs.
******
Ms Career Girl strives to provide important insights that you can use. To see more of our columnists and guest writers, check these out!
This guest post was written by Ainsley Lawrence
Ainsley Lawrence is a writer who loves to talk about how business and professionalism intersect With today’s personal, social and technological needs. She is often lost in a good book.
