Work Options to Consider when Maternity Leave Ends

Many new mothers have to return to work after their maternity leave ends. You should plan for this event in advance to ease the transition and make it easier on you, your family and your employer. There are a variety of options to consider when returning to work after maternity leave. Talk with your employer about the options you are interested in and see if they can accomodate your needs.

You may choose to return to your job gradually after maternity leave. Returning gradually is a good idea for breastfeeding moms or women that are not comfortable going back full swing. You might work fewer days a week or shorter hours each day and increase your hours gradually as your chid care responsibilities lessen.

If you want to take a much longer period off from work, ask your employer about using a leave of absence. Taking a leave of absence will give you the time you want off and still guarantee your job upon returning.

Some employers do not mind if you bring your baby to work with you. Taking your baby to work with you can offer temporary solution to child-care problems if you are unable to get an extension or need to go back to work abruptly. You can usually do this if your workplace is somewhat private and has minimal public contact. Because your infant will sleep most of the time, the situation should not interfere with your work.

Consider tradeoffs or job-sharing. You can tradeoff some of your work with another co-worker that is willing to fill the position. If your job requires traveling often, ask another associate if they would mind you doing some of their work in trade for the travel aspect of your position. Job sharing allows two people to share the duties of one jon and would work well with another mother or a co-worker who wants to start semi-retirement. The amount of work two people can accomplish is greater and your company might also benefit from this situation.

Use felxtime or felxible scheduling so that you can stgill work a full time job with convenient hours. Doing so may allow you to share child care duties with your spouse or work around your breast-feeding schedule. The only drawback is that the rest of the world is still working 8-5. Options of flextime include you selecting your start time, having a block of time to have work done without prior approval or having a minimum core time that you must be present on the jobsite.

Some mothers would rather work a compressed work week. With a compressed work week, full-time employees can work four ten-hour days a week or eight-nine-hour days plus one eight-hour day over two weeks. Basically, your days are longer, but you work fewer days of the week.

Some companies offer their employees voluntary reduced time, or V-time. This is an option that enables employees to reduce their work time and pay by 5 to 50% for a specified period-usually 6 to 12 months. Workers retain their benefits and seniority starus on a pro-rated basis. If you do not mind taking a pay cut, tis might be a good choice for your family.

Telecommuting is a wonderful way to work and take care of your child at the same time. Basically, telecommuting allows you to work in the comfort of your home but still communicate with your office through the computer. You are able to vary your schedule as you need to. You might still need to go into the office for meetings. In most cases, you can still keep your benefits, salary and advancement opportunities. You will need to set up a separate work area where nothing will be disturbed.

Some mothers choose to go back to work part-time. If you plan to stay at your current job, you might have to switch positions. You and your employer would need to discuss the amount of work that is expected and the amount of pay that is available. Often times, employees lose their benefits when working part time hours.

Self-employment is another option for new mothers. Some women begin watching other children in their homes, sewing, freelancing or other methods of work. Working for yourself offers great flexibility to be with your child.