Making the Transition Back to Work After Maternity Leave: Tips and Strategies
Returning to work after maternity leave presents unique challenges, and this transition can feel daunting for many new mothers. In Australia, parents are entitled to 24 weeks of paid parental leave (for children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025) at the national minimum wage, but it’s often the mothers who take this leave. As a result, balancing the desire to care for your newborn with the financial and professional necessity of returning to work can feel overwhelming.
This article aims to provide helpful, actionable tips that go beyond the basic advice and offer practical insights into making the return to work as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Key Challenges of Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
The return to work is often associated with a range of emotions and challenges, including:
- Guilt: The struggle between wanting to care for your baby longer and the need to return to work.
- Stress and Anxiety: Concerns about how to balance family life with a demanding career.
- Fear of Falling Behind: Worries about not being able to catch up with the workload after a long break.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to approach this transition with practical strategies in place. Here are some expert-backed tips to help you manage your return to work after maternity leave successfully.
1. Know your rights.
Understanding your legal rights under the Fair Work Act 2009 is critical. Australian mothers are entitled to return to their pre-parental leave position, or if unavailable, a similar role with equivalent pay. Additionally, you have the right to request flexible working arrangements, including part-time work or working from home.
Expert Tip: While many employers follow the rules, it’s essential to stay informed and assert your rights to avoid discrimination.
2. Stay Updated
Keeping up with industry news and workplace changes during your leave is vital. Even a year away from work can result in significant changes within your company or industry.
Practical Advice: Dedicate time each week to read industry journals or online resources, ensuring you stay sharp and informed. Upskilled offers a range of online courses to help you update your skills, ensuring you return to the workplace prepared and confident.
3. Negotiate Flexible Working Conditions
Flexible work arrangements are crucial for retaining women in the workforce. Options such as part-time roles, job-sharing, flexible hours, or working from home can help you maintain a work-life balance.
Pro Tip: Start these conversations before you go on leave. Once you’ve returned, confirm all arrangements in writing with your employer to ensure clarity and agreement.
4. Conduct a trial run.
The first day back at work can be overwhelming, especially with the logistical aspects of childcare. A trial run before your return allows you to test the timing of your morning routine, including daycare drop-offs and travel time.
Why it Works: This allows you to address any potential issues before your actual return and gives you the confidence to handle day-to-day logistics smoothly.
5. Have a Plan B.
Life happens, and your original plans may fall apart. Always have a backup plan in case your baby can’t attend daycare due to illness.
Backup Plan Ideas: Discuss options with your HR department about working from home in case of emergency, and ensure you have remote access to work systems if needed.
6. Simplify your life.
Marie Kondo your routine: eliminate unnecessary tasks and make time for what truly matters. Use technology to automate bill payments, set calendar reminders, and help streamline your life.
Key Takeaway: By simplifying your personal life, you’ll reduce stress and create more room to focus on your professional responsibilities.
7. Schedule a Meeting with Your Boss.
A meeting with your boss before you return to work is invaluable. It gives you the chance to discuss key workplace changes, set priorities, and address concerns about your workload.
Topics to Cover:
- Updates on workplace changes or procedures
- Setting clear work priorities
- Discussing flexible work arrangements if needed
8. Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout
Returning to work can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s crucial to set clear boundaries to avoid burnout. Research shows that women often struggle to say "no" at work, which can lead to increased stress.
Expert Insight: Learn how to respectfully decline additional responsibilities that fall outside your role, so you don’t feel overburdened both at work and at home.
9. Consider Working From Home
If your employer offers work-from-home options, this could be an excellent solution. Working from home offers flexibility and reduces commute time, but it’s important to discuss expectations with your boss.
Keep in Mind: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted workplace dynamics, making remote work more common. If you choose this option, ensure your expectations are clear with your employer and understand any potential drawbacks, such as increased domestic responsibilities.
Additional Tips for Coping with the Return to Work
- Be Patient with Yourself
Adjusting to your new routine will take time. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first, give yourself grace and allow time for a smooth transition. - Make Time for Yourself
Set aside moments to recharge, whether through self-care routines or simply taking a break when needed. Maintaining your well-being is essential to your ability to manage both work and home life effectively. - Build Your Support Network
Lean on friends, family, or colleagues who have been through similar experiences. It’s helpful to have people who understand your challenges and can offer support.
Career Options After Maternity Leave
If you’re considering a career shift or simply want more flexibility, here are a few in-demand careers that offer opportunities for new mums:
- Web Developer: Upskilled’s Certificate IV in Information Technology (Website Development) can help you gain skills to pursue a career in web development.
- Copywriter: Upskilled’s Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication will expand your writing skills and understanding of consumer behaviour.
- Social Media Specialist: Learn social media marketing essentials through Upskilled’s courses and a Diploma of Social Media Marketing.
- Virtual Assistant: Upskilled offers various business administration courses to prepare you for a career as a virtual assistant.
How To Job Search After Maternity Leave
Here are some steps to jumpstart your job search after maternity leave:
- Update Your Resume
Highlight your relevant work experience and skills, tailoring your resume to reflect your best professional self. - Leverage Social Media Networking
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, build relationships, and use networking as a powerful tool in your job search. - Enrol in a Short Course
Upskilled offers a range of flexible courses to help you enhance your skills and make yourself more competitive in the job market. - Prepare for Interviews
Research companies and roles you’re interested in, and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the position.
Returning to work after maternity leave can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By staying informed, negotiating flexible work arrangements, setting clear boundaries, and seeking out new career opportunities, you can successfully balance work and motherhood.
Pro Tip: Upskilled offers a range of courses to help you upskill and explore new career options, including IT, marketing, and business administration programs.
Editor's Note: This blog has been updated in 2025 to reflect the latest changes in Paid Parental Leave entitlements and other relevant updates to ensure the information is accurate and current.
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