By Vanessa Jupe

Returning to work after parental leave can be a challenging transition for many employees. Women, in particular, often feel disconnected and experience imposter syndrome upon returning to the workplace. But it doesn't have to be this way. By implementing supportive leave policies and providing a customized plan for when your employee returns, you can not only retain your employees but help them thrive and perform better than ever.

Why Should You Focus on Retaining Employees After Parental Leave?

It's no secret that employees are harder to retain after they have a baby. Statistics tell us that 43% of new moms will leave the workforce within one year of having a child! Retaining your employees after parental leave is critical for your company's success. The good news is that it is pretty easy to make your employees feel valued and supported, making them more likely to stay with your organization and perform at a high level. Retaining employees can save your company time and money on recruitment, onboarding, and training.

Challenges of Returning to Work After Parental Leave

Many employees, particularly women, face significant challenges returning to work after parental leave. These challenges include feeling disconnected from their colleagues, experiencing imposter syndrome, and struggling to balance work and family responsibilities. To address these challenges, employers can implement supportive leave policies and provide a customized plan for when the employee returns.

How Can You Support Employees with Leave Policies and Customized Plans?

Supportive leave policies, such as keep-in-touch days, can help employees stay connected to their colleagues and feel supported during their parental leave. A customized plan for when the employee returns, including a manageable workload and meaningful work, can help employees feel valued and engaged in their work. Additionally, providing opportunities for professional development and mentorship can help employees continue to grow in their careers and feel supported by their employer.

The Benefits of Investing in Your Employees

Investing in your employees by providing supportive leave policies, customized plans, and professional development opportunities can have significant benefits for your organization. These benefits can include increased employee retention, higher employee engagement and satisfaction, and improved productivity and performance.

Conclusion

Retaining your employees after parental leave is essential for creating a supportive and productive workplace. By providing meaningful work, supportive leave policies, and a customized plan for when your employee returns, you can help your employees thrive and perform better than ever. Investing in your employees not only benefits them but also benefits your organization in the long run.

Get in touch with us to help support your employees even better.