Alecia Ridout’s Post

I f*cked up. Returning to work after maternity leave has been a journey. Amongst the adjustment, I've thought almost obsessively about how I've supported people in the past. Going through it myself and realising I'd handled every situation wrong was a huge fear for me. I could have done better. There are people and moments that I recall from the past where I didn't go above and beyond to make people settle in well. I can only see this looking back. What I do know is when I support people returning to work next time, I will have the experience to do a better job. So, I've been speaking with people about how their return to work has gone, from all different industries, areas and backgrounds. These stories have been fascinating, sad and at times, anger-inducing. I hope to share some of them soon. 🏁 If you'd like to contribute your story of returning to work after maternity leave, my messages are always open. 💬 'How do I do this one, CC?' is the type of message I usually get from my team and I often wonder what happens when people don't have someone to ask. So, if you're a manager who would like to share what you would like to know more of let me know and I'll do my best to help. #leadership #maternity

Life Update Returning to work after a 6-month maternity leave (which I opted voluntarily) was both exciting and challenging. Leaving my second-born behind for the first time made me nervous for almost a month before stepping back into my role. But I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system—my husband and our parents—who encouraged me to pursue what truly makes me happy. I am forever grateful for their unwavering support. Work has always been something that brings me fulfillment, and I’m proud to say that my employer Énergie NB Power has played a key role in making this transition smoother. From the moment I walked back into the office, every single colleague greeted me with a warm smile, and my managers were understanding and flexible, truly listening to my needs as a mother. Their support has been invaluable, and I’m able to juggle both my career and family life because of their trust and flexibility. To all the women out there who may fear returning to work or hesitate to pursue opportunities while pregnant, I want to share my experience. I was hired when I was 6 months pregnant, and the respect I’ve received from my employer has been unwavering. The words they shared with me, “You are a great asset to our team, and our decision will never change,” are something I will never forget. It’s amazing to work for a company that values and also understands the importance of family life. Grateful for the balance, flexibility, and understanding that allow me to thrive both as a mother and a professional. 🌟 If you're someone who is passionate about working in an amazing organization, we have several exciting positions available! Click the link below to apply and take the next step in your career. https://lnkd.in/eQDvsvZs #MaternityLeave #CareerAndFamily #WorkLifeBalance #Grateful #SupportSystem #Flexibility #WomenInTheWorkplace #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #NBPower

Are you returning from maternity leave and feeling like your confidence needs a boost?! Here’s a testimonial for you! My client returned after a long gap in maternity leave. She wanted a professional role where she could resume her professional marketing career and not take a step backwards. Many of those returning to work lose a bit of confidence… Not surprising at all… But we work on that and remind you of your brilliantness!!!!! Then you’ll be right back on track if not better!!! Like this client!!!! #confidenceboost #returntowork #maternityleave #careeradvice #mindset

If you think your employees do NOT need support when they return to work following maternity leave, please read this! These are the words of a mum who had returned to work 4 months ago following maternity leave. "I was naive as I assumed it was going to be easy returning to work after maternity leave. It was THE HARDEST THING I have EVER DONE. It is the BIGGEST THING to happen to me. It is like I am expected to return to work and PRETEND it didn't happen." * Pretend that I haven't changed - because I have! * Pretend that I don't have a new identity - I do! I am now a mammy and I am a working parent, which I have NEVER been before. * Pretend that it is easy - it is not, it is hard! * Pretend that taking a year out of the business hasn't impacted on my confidence, because it 100% has! Pretending is exhausting and so is not having support when you return to work. So if you have a team member who has returned to work following maternity leave, do the right thing for them and for the company and give them the support they need right now. "Winning at Work, Harmony at Home" workshop for maternity returners is taking place on the 23rd May. It is a 1-day virtual workshop and spaces are limited so get in touch today to avoid disappointment.

On this day 1 year ago I was on maternity leave. I also learned I was going to be laid off from my job. So much has changed in the last year. My identity to society, self compassion and confidence, thoughts on how I want to run my business. Here's what I have learned after being laid off upon return from maternity leave: The positive energy of a strong community. -Through networking, previous work experiences, close friends, my family, my career coach and especially my husband, I came out of a tough situation with hope and new perspectives. Leaning on networks. -Having worked in a variety of workplaces and building connections with my former employer/working with very talented colleagues, the individuals I have met and friends I have made are invaluable to my future career endeavours. It's given me new job opportunities, reminding myself of the incredible work I have done in the past. Mental health supports are a necessity. -I am thankful for the privilege to have access to a fantastic counsellor. It was a whirlwind period where I felt my skills had diminished during my 18 month leave, that I would not be considered "good enough" as a working professional in our capitalist society because I was taking care of my tiny human for 1.5 years and I did not have the opportunity to go back to my previous role. A lot of self doubt set in. But through mental health support, I know that uncertainty is absolutely OK and that I am still worthy to do great things. Everything IS and WILL be OK. -Sudden, unplanned, uncontrolled changes are scary, even more so when you're coming out of maternity leave. But I have finally (and slowly!) realized that everything is currently OK, I am "safe," and things will continue being great! Lay offs suck. Even more so when it's a re-org that you had no control over. There's no doubt about that. But the universe works in incredible ways, kick in the butt changes are exciting and I know the future will be fun, hopeful, meaningful and pretty rad! If you're going or have gone through a similar shift, I would love to connect!

Balancing Act: The Journey Back to Work After Maternity Leave As I sit down to write this post, I can't help but reflect on the whirlwind of emotions I've experienced over the past few months. Six months ago, I welcomed the most precious addition to my family: my baby. Becoming a parent has been the most rewarding journey of my life, but it has also come with its fair share of challenges. One of the toughest decisions I've had to make recently was returning to work after my maternity leave. Leaving my little one, who has become my top priority, was heart-wrenching. The thought of being away from them for hours at a time filled me with a sense of guilt and anxiety. Many parents can relate to the conflicting emotions that arise when faced with the prospect of returning to work after welcoming a new addition to the family. Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of parenthood is no easy feat. As a new mom, I found myself grappling with feelings of doubt and uncertainty about whether I could successfully juggle both roles. However, as the day approached for me to return to the office, I realized that I wasn't alone in this journey. My colleagues and employer were incredibly supportive, offering flexibility and understanding as I navigated this transition. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to take the leap and rejoin the workforce. Returning to work after maternity leave has been a challenging adjustment, but it has also been incredibly empowering. Stepping back into my role has reignited my passion for my career and reminded me of the importance of pursuing my professional goals. To all the new parents out there who are facing a similar transition, know that you are not alone. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions as you navigate this new chapter of your life. Lean on your support system, both at home and at work, and remember to be kind to yourself as you find your footing. Returning to work after maternity leave is undoubtedly challenging, but it's also a testament to the strength and resilience of working parents everywhere. Together, we can navigate this journey and thrive both personally and professionally.

Chronicles of a New working Mom! After 6 months of being on maternity leave, I returned to work with the goal of staying in control and avoiding the stereotypical struggles of a new mother. I convinced myself that I would have resolved all my postpartum challenges during my six-month maternity leave and would come back as my old self. But man was I wrong for thinking so, It is now clear to me that I am navigating a very challenging transition that no one, or no corporate support could have prepared me for. The reality of returning to work after maternity leave has been far more complex than I anticipated. Spaciness combined with brain fog and a constant undercurrent of guilt for missing your new borns many firsts, makes delivering work harder than it used to be. The pressure to meet professional expectations while also being a present and attentive mother; The rush to get home before your son’s bedtime and the struggle to stay on top of office gossip(pun intended!) feels like you’ll never be able to perfectly balance it again. But, something I remind myself everyday that It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. Balancing work and parenting is no easy feat, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re doing your best, and finding a rhythm might take time. Allow yourself space to adapt and don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends, or family if needed.

Being on maternity leave has been both a rewarding and reflective experience. This time away from my career has allowed me to focus on the incredible journey of motherhood, while also providing an opportunity to reassess my priorities and the balance between my professional and personal life. Before my leave, my career was a central part of my identity. I was deeply engaged in my work, consistently striving to meet challenges, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to my team and organization. Stepping away from this routine was initially daunting. The thought of pausing my career to focus on my child came with mixed emotions—excitement and joy about my new role as a mother, but also a sense of uncertainty about how I would stay connected with the professional world I was so passionate about. During maternity leave, I've come to realize how integral my career is to my sense of self, and at the same time, how essential this period of personal growth and bonding with my child is. It has been a time of deep reflection on how I can continue to thrive professionally while embracing the challenges and rewards of motherhood. There have been moments of longing for the intellectual stimulation and problem-solving I encounter at work, as well as moments of gratitude for the opportunity to be fully present with my family. This time has shown me that both aspects of my life are essential, and finding a way to blend them moving forward will be key. This leave has allowed me to step back and think more strategically about how I want to approach my career in the future. It has reinforced the importance of creating a work-life integration that aligns with both my personal values and professional aspirations. As I continue my leave, I’m focusing on the long-term vision of my career and how I can return to work with renewed energy, perspective, and a clearer sense of balance. While my maternity leave is not yet coming to an end, I look forward to the next phase of this journey—whether that means re-engaging more actively with my work in the near future or continuing to find new ways to make both my professional and personal commitments thrive. For now, I’m embracing the opportunity to be fully present in both roles, knowing that the experiences and insights gained during this time will only enhance my professional growth when I return.

I came back from maternity leave at the beginning of April after 10 months of nurturing my baby and learning how to become the best mum I can be for him. I came back full time. It wasn't an easy transition and there were many days I wanted to give up, leave work and go back to my long morning walks, endless trapped naps and nursery rhymes. Because that was my happy place like I had never known any other before. But what I didn't know is that I also had to learn how to embrace my new identity: I was living in a constant emotional rollercoaster, but I was genuinely good at my job once and I was determined to become better on my return. Not all at once, of course. If I've learnt anything in the past few months it's the importance of taking one day at a time, of setting small achievable goals and to trust my gut. And here we are: I've been integrating the skills and experiences gained during maternity leave in my professional life, and I am CONFIDENT in my abilities and the unique perspective I bring to my role as a working parent. ~ In addition to the old silly waffly me that still shines in the background 😄 ~ On the slim chance you’re still reading... This is the reflection I want to share to finish my essay: Returning to work after maternity leave can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support (thanks to all the Simply Commerce team, you've been amazing!) we can successfully navigate this transition and thrive in our professional roles.

Feel like the world has moved on without you? 🤔 Transitioning back to work after being at home with a baby can certainly feel like that. As my Easter baby Bodhi turns 3, I’ve been recalling my own experiences of re-entering the workplace after maternity leave. The thought of returning was enough to fill me with dread. But, I found a lifeline in phasing my return. This meant that instead of hitting the road again at full speed, I could ease back into my rhythm gently, balancing everything before trying to juggle it all. For anyone stepping back into their careers after maternity leave, taking it one step at a time is great for your wellbeing and peace of mind. It'll give you the chance to adjust at your own pace. In my soon to be released “returning to work” blog, I'll provide some tips based on my own experience which may be helpful if you're preparing to do just that. I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences and ideas too 😀 #maternityleave #returntowork #ukmortgagebrokers #mortgagebrokerrecruitment