FAMILY “RAISING PHASE” Fifth Trimester Chapter: RETURN TO WORK
No matter the duration of parental leave, the return to work can often feel overwhelming. New parents are often sleep deprived and adjusting to new daily schedules, priorities, and responsibilities. Emotionally, the idea of being separated from a new baby for the majority of your waking hours can be challenging. The arrival of a new baby permanently rewires your brain and transforms your world, and it’s difficult to suddenly merge your new and old worlds together during what’s been coined “the fifth trimester” (aka the first 3 months back at work).
Challenge
• Anecdotal : “ I was lucky enough to work for a company that allowed me to work 20+\- hours per week when my kids were young so I could be there when they got home from school. Thankfully we were in a place where financially we could afford for me to do this. I was paid hourly (not salaried) and could work extra when I was able and interested to do so. Truly a family- flexible work schedule.”
Importance
GOOD
BETTER
BEST
Provide employee resource group (ERG) for working parents, to increase camaraderie and emotional support Support temporary increase in hybrid or remote work for agreed-upon period of time, to help employee ease back in
Provide option to return at reduced hours per week (20+) with full benefits maintained, if employee desires a part- time schedule Consider a “baby bonus” to further incentivize return to work after parental leave
Offer 2-3 weeks of part-time work (~24 hours/week) at full pay, to allow a smoother transition for employee who wants to return to full-time work Membership to personal coaching service that specializes in topics such as infant sleep & caregiver self-care
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Antidotes
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Leading Firms
Personalized coaching service through Cleo.
“Return to work” ramp up, 2 weeks full pay with reduced hours upon return from parental leave.
Full benefits offered for part-time employees, down to 20 hours/week.
• Outsource Options: Consider providing employee membership to Cleo, which includes personal coaching services for many related topics (including infant sleep, infant feeding, caregiver self care, caregiver mental health, postpartum healing, etc) • Read more: Harvard Business Review article, “ How to Return to Work After Taking Parental Leave ,” dated 08/02/2019 and “The Fifth Trimester” book, authored by Lauren Smith Brody (website with additional resources linked here)
Additional Resources
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