When To Return To Work After Health Or Maternity Leave?
Above: Cranes migrating home to Europe from Africa passed over Northern Israel yesterday! My neighbors pergola and balcony did obscure them a bit by the time I ran to grab my camera.
With so many folks around the world either working from home, quarantined, or just plain out of work due to hopefully temporary business closures, thinking about returning to work is a great way to bring hope into the picture. Rather than dwelling on the current situation, lets pray that the Corona virus pandemic will not reach disastrous levels in most of the world, and within a month or so the majority of folks not working will be able to return. Certainly a difficult situation, though a good time to think about how generally fortunate we have been to have conquered so many other diseases that used to wipe out huge portions of a given location, and how fortunate most folks are to be able to physically go to work in the first place! This article is about returning to work after maternity or sick leave, something that will likely be put on hold given the current situation, so use the extra time to do your research and make the right decisions!
If you’ve been off work for a while due to illness or maternity leave, knowing when you are physically and psychologically ready to go back can be challenging, and returning prematurely can have a negative impact on your return. Of course the whole process is even more difficult when you’ve been enjoying your time at home caring for your newborn. For a smooth transition, put lots of thought into the timing of your return, keeping in mind your colleagues and the organization in general.
Above: One of the loveliest sites we are fortunate to witness twice a year, migrating cranes! This photo was taken on March 16th, just outside our front door.
Going Back To Work After Maternity Leave
Returning to your job after months of maternity leave is tough; after all, it’s very hard to leave your baby behind, especially if it’s your first child. And of course, don’t forget you are not alone in your struggle to make the right decision! One in three American mothers don’t return to work after having a baby, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. And maternity leave is one of the main reasons why many new moms leave their jobs for an extended period.
To make it easier on yourself, start by choosing who will be taking care of your child long before you have to go back to work. Your transition will be a lot easier if you are confident that your baby is well taken care of every second you can’t be there. Close family members like grandparents are usually a great option, but a trustworthy daycare will be just fine. A few weeks before your return, you can do a few dry runs to see how it affects you and your baby. Additionally, when you start back, work just part-time for the first few days if possible until you and your baby are adjusted to being apart. Set up an appointment with a doctor or lactation consultant to figure out how to ensure that your baby is well-fed when you are at work. If you are pumping and freezing milk, get advice from other mothers who have done the same. It really isn’t difficult once you make it a part of your day, and makes a huge difference for your baby at least for the first 6 months.
Going Back To Work After An Injury
Hopefully this never applies to you: injuries can leave you in pain and unable to carry out your work duties for a prolonged period. Your return to work depends on the nature of your injuries, how long they take to heal, and whether or not they are work-related. The first thing you need to do is get the green light from your doctor. Returning to work too soon can affect your recovery, so make sure you talk to the doctor about your job duties so that they can tell you whether you need any work restrictions, like avoiding heavy lifting or kneeling. You can also start return to work programs to cut down the amount of time you stay out and to boost your morale as you prepare for an accelerated return to your job. Before going back, talk to your employer about any job modifications you’ll need for a smooth return, such as a wheelchair-friendly or more accessible workspace. Keep in mind that in some cases, you may not be able to resume your previous job or receive the same pay after an injury, particularly when the injury is not work-related. Even though most states have laws that prohibit employers from firing employees who suffer from work-related injuries, you can still lose your job if you’re unable to complete the essential job responsibilities as a result of the injuries.
Whether you are returning to work after maternity leave or a prolonged injury the process can feel like an uphill task. So for the benefit of all involved, do make sure to choose a return date when you are physically, mentally and emotionally ready to carry out your job duties to the best of your ability. The one positive thing about a break from working is that upon return most folks have a much better idea of how to balance work and life, and that truly is a good thing.
