You’re Back! Supporting a Successful Return to Work Post-Maternity

Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition - one filled with excitement, anxiety, and a lot of uncertainty. In this third podcast of the Trail, Mary Beth emphasizes why companies should treat maternity returns like new employee onboarding, with structured support at every stage. She shares her personal experience of having all her work "dumped back" on her first week and offers a better approach with a phased re-entry plan: pre-return planning, day one orientation, gradual responsibility transition, and regular check-ins through month three. For managers, Mary Beth explains how to maintain supportive communication beyond those critical first weeks when "empathy starts waning" - precisely when many new mothers feel pushed out of their careers. Whether you're a returning parent wanting to advocate for yourself or a manager looking to retain valuable team members, this episode provides the framework for turning a challenging transition into an opportunity for renewed engagement and growth.