Returning to work after an extended period away from the office is challenging, there’s no doubt about that. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. My recent leave from the workplace was due to the birth of my first child. Although my period away from the office was a few months, it’s helpful to prepare for returning to work even if you’re gone for a week on vacation.
Preparing for parenthood was an exciting time. There are many things you might do to prepare for a new child, and getting organized at work is one thing that may get overlooked until the last minute. It’s important though to get yourself organized on the frontend of your time out, rather than have a sluggish start and pick up the pieces when you return. Here are a few tips I followed to help make returning back to work a smooth and seamless transition for the entire team:
Organize. In the weeks leading up to your leave, clean out your inbox. Once you return to work you will most likely be knee deep in emails and if you already have a system in place for sorting through content, it will make it easier to sift through the new messages. Same thing applies for your desk. While you are out, the company may move seats or may try to find something at your desk. Returning to work with a tidy desk and little clutter will also give you peace of mind. You may also want to create a spreadsheet with all your passwords. This saved me a lot of time from clicking on the “Forgot my password” link, and it also help your colleagues if they need to access something on your behalf.
Communicate. This may be an obvious one, but it’s important to communicate to your vendors, partners, and clients about your upcoming leave. If someone on your team is taking over a relationship in your absence it’s important to make an introduction 2-3 months prior to your expectant date of leave. Your client will be confident the company has prepared and will give both the client and your teammate time to adjust to the new relationship while you are still available to help with the transition. Plus, if you’re preparing for a child like I was, your little one may decide to come early, so the more time you have to prepare, the better.
Create a plan of action. Don’t assume everyone is aware of your full scope of work. In the months leading up to your departure, create a list of things you manage, update, prepare, organize, or whatever it may be. Then work with your leadership team to determine who on the team will manage your responsibilities.
If your leave is medical – understand your benefits. If you’re preparing for a baby or for a surgery you will be inundated with paperwork to complete at the hospital. Save yourself from being overwhelmed by understanding your medical benefits prior to having the baby or operation. Most companies can provide you with the form to be completed prior to your procedure. Have as much filled out and take it with you when you go to the hospital and have someone else scan it to your employer once the baby is born. Same thing goes for any forms needed for disability. It’s also helpful to understand the payment terms of your disability plan prior to being on leave.
Most importantly, enjoy every moment you’re away. Recuperate, relax, and refocus … time really does fly!
