Tips for returning to work from recent new parents

Congratulations on your new addition! This is a very exciting time. As you prepare to return to work, here are some helpful tips from recent new parents. We hope they can be helpful to you too. 

⚠️ Pyn note to HR: Please update this message to include information specific to your organization and its policies, including resources like flexible return schedules, ERGs, Slack groups, etc., that may be available to new parents. 

Take these actions

• Schedule a call and connect with HR (30-60 minutes)
• Email your manager to plan for your return (5-10 minutes)
• Do a trial run of your new morning routine (30-60 minutes)
• Connect with other parents (5-10 minutes)
• Create a 30/60/90-day plan with your manager (60 minutes)

Why is this important? 

Establishing new routines and setting specific goals over the first 90 days provides structure and clarity to help ease the transition of returning to work.

1 month before: Connect with HR

Schedule a call with your HR or benefits representative to discuss:

1. Your return date to the office. 
2. Any schedule changes. Take advantage of a flexible schedule for your first weeks back. 
3. Review your full benefits package and make any needed updates.
4. Any other outstanding paperwork.
5. Information on pumping at work (if applicable). 

New parent tips:

• New parents generally suggest returning to work on a Thursday or Friday on that first week back. It’ll make your transition easier to start back with a shorter week. 
• For those who will be pumping, some new parents recommend blocking off time on your calendar in advance.

2-4 weeks before: Email @manager.name and plan your return

Email @manager.name with the following information:

1. The day you plan to return to the office (after confirming with HR)
2. Any changes that will affect your schedule (e.g., you'll be pumping twice a day, you'll need to leave the office early because of childcare, etc.)
3. Optional: If you want to chat with @manager.name before your first day back. 

Here’s a sample email:

Subject: Return to Work Update  

Dear @manager.name, I am getting excited about my return to work. My parental leave is winding down, and after speaking with Human Resources, [Month DD, YYYY] will be my first official day back in the office.

Do you have time to meet the week before my return? It would be helpful for me to talk through my return to work schedule.
[Share any particular schedule changes or time restrictions: For example: On Thursdays, I'll be arriving at the office early but will have to leave at 4:30 p.m. Please let me know if you think this schedule change is a problem.]
I am looking forward to learning about the team’s priorities and reconnecting with the team.

Best, @recipient.name

One week before: Preparing to return to work

New parent tips:

• It helps to practice your new morning routine. For example, set an alarm, take the child to childcare, and try out your commute.
• Connect with other new parents or those who recently returned from parental leave. Join [INSERT SLACK CHANNEL/ERG]. They will be a great source of support! 

In your first week back: Create a 30/60/90-day plan with @manager.name

Meet with your manager to get up to speed. Ask questions like:

• Have there been any changes I need to be aware of while I was out? (For example, reorgs, changes in leadership, new team members, a shift in priorities for the team/group?)
• What are the current priorities for the team?
• Is there any training on new systems/processes, re-orientation, re-onboarding, etc., that I may need?

Create a plan that includes your specific goals and learning needs during your first 90 days back, including any career goals you’d like to achieve within the next 6-12 months. 

After your return: remember to be kind to yourself

This is a major transition so it’s important to acknowledge that and the learning curve it comes with. 

New parent tip:

• Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. And most of all, be patient and kind to yourself. Remember that it is ok to ask for help!