Why you need this mini guide
Supporting employees as they return from maternity leave isn’t always straightforward. From flexible working requests to rebuilding confidence, there’s a lot to balance. And with so many different needs, managers can sometimes feel unsure about the best approach.
This mini guide takes the guesswork out. It gives you clear, practical steps to make the return-to-work transition smoother for your employees. You’ll find advice on supporting wellbeing, building flexibility into roles, and creating a culture where working parents feel valued. Whether you’re updating policies or looking for everyday actions line managers can take, this guide has you covered!
Why getting it right matters
When support is missing, the impact is huge. Research shows 85% of women leave full-time roles within three years of maternity leave, and nearly 1 in 5 leave the workforce entirely. That means lost talent, higher recruitment costs, and a weaker pipeline of future leaders.
But when you handle the return well, everyone benefits. Employees feel more confident, managers build stronger relationships, and your business retains skilled people who are motivated to succeed. Add in the wider benefits of diverse leadership and a more inclusive workplace, and it’s clear why this matters.
This guide will help you avoid the common pitfalls and build a return-to-work process that supports parents, strengthens retention, and drives business success.
