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It is essential to understand that working mothers, especially new mothers, often struggle to hit the balance between work and home life. If the employee feels overwhelmed or unappreciated, it may drive her to quit. It is remarkable that the workplace is helping her needs. Employers need to remember that it is also important to respect her priorities. Do know more in detail about Recruitment Agencies Kent and Employment Agencies Kent.

So what changes do you need?

•    The first step to do is to involve in open communication. The best person to tell you about the needs of a working mother is a working mother. Talk to your employee about her needs and consider making changes to accommodate them.

•    Strengthen your company’s paid maternal leave policy. Pregnancy and childbirth is an essential transition for many parents and can often be emotionally draining. Allow your employee to adjust to the changes. This helps in job performance in the long run.

•    Flexibility is the key. Technology has made it accessible for us to work from anywhere in the world. Allow your employee this benefit too. Setting up a work-from-home system for single or new mothers can go a long way in helping them cope.

•    Do not expect her to work overtime. Not only do mothers have responsibilities back home, but they may also often be tired and sleep deprived. Prolonged overworking will reduce your employee’s output in the long run. It will also cause her work satisfaction to drop.

•    Consider making the office child-friendly. This may be a long-term solution especially if you have several working mothers within the company. Open a small day-care unit within the office space. If this is not possible, a small play area may also help.

As a mum, you are ready to return to work and are going to do it part-time. Congratulations!

That is a very wise decision on your part and you deserve all the support from your family for opting to spend precious time with them and the joy you'll get from having some independence and financial gain also know more about Part Time Local Jobs and Recruitment Agencies Kent

To help you out, we are going to share some helpful tips which will make returning to work easier.

Let's get straight into it.

1. Take it easy- You might be tempted to tackle everything in one go after having a child –getting fit and regaining your pre-baby body, going back to work like you’ve never been away, taking care of your house and errands such as shopping or running around with older children but don't put too much pressure on yourself and things will gradually work out! Think realistically what you can and can’t do and give yourself some downtime to recharge too. Everything will work out if you factor this in.

  2. Choose good childcare for your baby- If you know that your baby is in good hands before you go to work, then you'll have a lot more peace of mind and will be able to be much more productive.

If you are keeping your baby at daycare, then opting to gradually increase the time left will help with any separation issues. Alternatively, if it’s you that’s struggling, you could ask them for a few updates throughout the day and see your child's activity. 

3. It gets easier- When your colleagues ask you how you're doing, you'll probably tell them that everything is fine even though you are feeling guilty sad because you are not with your baby. These emotions are normal, so be open with your colleagues, they most likely have been through the same thing. Things will get easier as you develop a routine. Keep reminding yourself of that. Your baby will also be okay. Young children don't have a sense of time so they don't know how long you've been gone. To them, you'll be there to comfort them in a jiffy.

4. Your productivity will spike- There is a saying that if you want something to get done, then give it to someone who is super busy.

Your mind has become more efficient than ever before because of juggling between feeding times, chores and work. Trust yourself and your abilities and you'll do just fine.

5. Develop a great support network - It takes a village to raise a baby! Having an amazing support system of close family and friends with whom you can share your joys and sorrows will definitely help you get back to work. If you don’t have this, you can develop a great support network through your hospital or local parenting groups such as NCT.

6. Practice a few times- You should practice your new routine for a few days so that you have no hiccups on the day you go to work. Incorporate getting up, making your baby and yourself ready for the day and then maintaining a routine in which you will get out of the house at the same time on the days you are working and make the most of the days that you are not!

7. Don't feel guilty- This is one of the biggest problem’s mothers have when returning to work. You are doing this for your family and are also making time for them by working part-time so try to stop negative emotions such as guilt and feel proud of yourself for doing so much.

8. Make the arrangements for pumping – If necessary, have a talk with your HR department or boss about your pumping needs so that they'll be able to help you out by providing a private space and other necessities. Have some extra pumping parts with you at work so that you don't run out when in need. This is perfectly acceptable, and you shouldn’t be made to feel bad.

9. Give your self some well deserved time off at the end of the day- Reserve sometime after work for cuddling and snuggling with your little one. This will definitely be a highlight of your day.

10. Keep costs in mind- Your work might have some associated costs like transportation, uniform or workwear and other costs like lunches so it's good to keep these in mind when returning to work.

Ten2Two Kent and Bromley are a specialist recruitment agency, helping businesses to grow their team by introducing them to experienced, talented professionals who want to work part time or flexible hours. If you have a skills gap, and are hiring, we have a community of over 5000 people waiting to meet you.