The “Return To Work’ Checklist

The idea of returning to work whilst still finding time to manage and enjoy family life can seem impossible.

Check out the following LIST aimed at making the experience more straightforward!

1)    Seek support
•    Talk to your family and friends for their advice and suggestions.
•    Seek external support from baby sitters so you can focus on planning your return to work.
•    Devise a plan together with your partner

2)    Consider your ideal scenario
•    Brainstorm and consider the options on positively meeting the needs of you and your family

3)    Consider the following flexible work arrangements for you and your employer
•    Permanent part time
•    Job share
•    Part time
•    Reduced hours
•    Evening or weekend work
•    Variable work days
•    Casual, roster or shift work
•    Varied work location
•    Re-organising your workload
•    Extra annual leave during school holidays

4)    What will the financial impacts be?
•    Look at the associated costs and prepare a weekly budget. Seek professional advice if required.

5)    Review your childcare needs and options
•    Research all possible childcare facilities and options eg: in-home care, government versus private day care centre, shared care options, family members or a combination.
 
6)    Prepare for job hunting
•    Looking for a new job? Start the job searching process by clarifying what types of positions you want and updating your CV

7)    Re-fresh your skills
•    Enroll in re-fresher training courses, contact industry associations, undertake volunteer work, or simply ask your employer to update you before you start back at work.

8)    Learn from other mums
•    Contact other mums you know that have returned to work. Ask what helpful tips they have for returning to work or assistance they can provide with your job search.

9)    What can you negotiate?
•    What are you prepared to trade-off in return for other benefits?
•    Talk about realistic working arrangements with your employer for mutual benefit
•    Contact your employer as early as possible to explore options
•    Ask your employer to ‘trial’ a flexible working arrangement


Danya Williams
Communications Manager
Frog Recruitment Ltd