Returning to work after parental leave is…complicated. There’s a good chance your coworkers is looking forward to jumping back in and resuming some semblance of their pre-baby life. But at the same time, shifting from parental leave to working parent can be fraught with conflicting feelings. Here’s where you come in: As a manager or colleague you have a unique opportunity to make this transition smoother and more positive. Read on for some actionable tips for creating a warm, supportive, and welcoming environment for your returning team member.

Reach out with a friendly “hello.”

Don’t be shy to say “welcome back” before your co-worker returns. If you work together closely, are lunchtime pals, or are “work spouses,” feel free to break the ice before their return with a warm, casual text message. Try something like: “We’ve missed you around here. Excited to have you back next week! Would you want to grab a coffee and catch up before your first day? I’m an excellent baby-holder.”

If you have a close professional relationship, but not a personal one, it’s still smart to reach out a few weeks in advance to:

  • Offer updates on any significant changes in the workplace

  • Discuss their return-to-work plan

  • Address their concerns

Learn more about touching base before your direct report’s scheduled to return to work.

Spruce up their space.

Whether a parental leave fill-in has been keeping your co-worker’s seat warm or their desk has been collecting cobwebs in their absence, it’s a good idea to give their workspace a once over to make sure it feels welcoming

  • Clean up their desk, ensuring no coffee rings or dust bunnies linger.

  • Leave a welcome back card signed by the team.

  • Consider adding a cheerful low-maintenance plant or a fresh bouquet of flowers at their work station to further hit home the “we’re happy you’re back” vibe.

  • If there’s a pile of unopened mail or packages, do your best to weed out obvious junk and organize what remains.

  • If the spirit moves you, leave a small gift for your coworker to return to, like a new planner, some healthy snacks, a “Best Mom Ever” mug, or a framed photo of their baby that you lifted from Instagram.

Plan a low-key first day—and week.

Your colleague’s first days back from parental leave are no time for hours-long meetings, client calls, and end-of-day deadlines. Keep it light and welcoming. Some ideas:

  • Check in with IT to ensure your coworker’s computer has the necessary updates, so they don’t spend their first day in troubleshooting hell.

  • Offer a “cheat sheet" of key workplace updates, like recent project milestones, new client wins, and relevant company news.

  • Organize a casual team lunch or coffee meet-up. (“We’d love to welcome you back over some treats! No shop talk, just good company!”)

  • Avoid scheduling high-stress meetings or deadlines.

  • Set up a relaxed catch-up meeting: “Let’s have a quick chat so I can catch you up on what’s been happening. Nothing formal, just keeping you in the loop!”

  • Gradually reintroduce tasks without being patronizing. Try, “We’re so happy to have your expertise back! Let’s start with this small project and see how it feels. Looking forward to your insightful input.”

Foster a family-friendly vibe.

Empathy and inclusion are key to creating a welcoming environment for co-workers returning from parental leave. Beyond, saying things like, “We get that your schedule might be a bit different now. Let us know how we can support you in finding your groove,” it’s important to create an at-work environment that respects a parent’s new-found responsibilities.

Here are some ways to cultivate a family-friendly atmosphere:

  • Designate a comfortable, private space for pumping or nursing. Go the extra mile by stocking the pumping nook with healthy snacks, like Happiest Baby’s Blooberry Bars for Fourth Trimester Support, a calming white noise machine, pump cleaning supplies, and more.

  • Avoid after-hours email and Slacks, or establish expectations that responses can wait until working hours, to respect family time.

  • Before putting meetings on the calendar, be mindful of flexible schedules, hard exit times, and/or a pumping schedule. To help, consider implementing “core hours” for meetings, such as only scheduling meetings from 10am-3pm.

  • If you are in a position of power, offer remote work options to accommodate family needs.

  • Don’t scold or shame a parent if their new baby briefly interrupts a video call or a virtual meeting. Always react with understanding—and offer to reschedule, if possible. (“Feel free to let us know if you need to step away for a moment.”)

Final Thoughts on Welcoming New Parents Back to Work

When you approach the return-to-work transition with warmth, understanding, and even a touch of fun, you create an environment where your colleague feels valued and supported. This not only helps new moms and dads adjust more easily, it bolsters your workplace culture. With your support, colleagues who are returning to work as parents can thrive their new role.
 

More Back-to-Work Basics:

About Holly Pevzner

Holly Pevzner is Happiest Baby’s Staff Writer. She specializes in creating parenting, pregnancy, health, nutrition, and family travel content. Her work—including essays, columns, reported features, and more—has appeared in outlets such as EatingWell, Family Circle, Parents, Real Simple, and The Bump. Before becoming a full-time writer, Holly held senior staff positions at Prevention, Fitness, and Self magazines, covering medical health and psychology. She was also a contributing editor at Scholastic Parent & Child magazine and a regular kids-health columnist for Prevention and First For Women magazines. Holly lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two boys, and terrier mix.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.