How return-to-work coaching boosted my confidence as a new parent

We know becoming a parent is life changing in so many ways. Just as you are getting to grips with parenting, it’s already time to return to work. From preparing to head off on maternity leave to returning to work, we want working parents to feel supported through this change.

To help you we offer a one-to-one coaching support service through Parent and Professional Ltd. We spoke with Lan Wu, Euro Credit Portfolio Manager within LGIM, who used the return-to-work coaching service when she had her first child.

Lan, how did the parental transition programme and return-to-work coaching work for you?

Over a period of about 18 months, I had four one-hour sessions with an external coach.

The first session was about three-months before I went on maternity leave. We discussed my handover plan and how to maintain some contact during the leave to ensure a seamless transition and continuity. The coach also provided me with some great tips for managing my Keeping in touch days (KIT), as well as setting up a support system for when I returned.

I had my second session whilst I was on maternity leave. In addition to checking in on how I was adapting to parenthood, the coach spent some time helping me to reconnect with colleagues and consider my return. We talked through childcare options, working from home arrangement in the wake of Covid, along with how things may have changed since I left and how I could prepare for that.

My third session took place in my first month back to work. The coach checked-in on how I was getting on, and we talked through the challenges of working parents, and I was offered solutions for managing a healthy work/life balance.

My last session took place when I had been back for six months. Here we focused on assessing my career direction and further development.

That sounds great, what did you find most beneficial from the return-to-work coaching?

Returning to work while trying to balance parenthood and your professional life can feel really overwhelming at first.

I found the structure, tips, and support I got to helped me build my confidence pre and post return to work. It was reassuring to be in the hands of someone experienced, a parent themselves and someone independent to talk things through.

The coach helped me to identify the key objectives and set realistic expectations for the first three-months that I returned to work and encouraged me to book a time to review the goals with my line manager.

What did you gain most from the experience?

I would say feeling confident to ask for help when I need it and understanding that having an endless list of things to do, doesn’t mean you need to do it all. Focussing on what’s important, what will bring the most benefit to the business and my team, really helped me structure my time and feel less overwhelmed.

For anyone about to go on maternity leave, what would be your top tip?

Make sure you book time in with your manager and other key stakeholders. It’s only by keeping in touch and communicating that they have a better understanding of what you are going through and find ways to support you through the change.

Lan is expecting her second baby in early November and will continue to be supported by her coach.

For further information about our one-to-one parental transition coaching services contact: henriette@pandpcoaching.co.uk

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