It's Off to Work We Go

Not all companies can afford to provide these options, but it never hurts to ask. Have a conversation with your boss before you return to work to express your needs. Be sure to reiterate your commitment to your job and desire to reach a workable solution. Instead of making demands, enlist his or her help in assisting you in achieving your goals, such as phasing back into work for the first few weeks or creating a lactation room. Once you get your boss on board with your plans, have a follow-up meeting with a human resources representative. If your company is unable to offer these kinds of benefits, avoid making any job change decisions until you have taken the time to consider if the positive aspects of your job still outweigh the negative factors.

DID YOU KNOW? The first month following maternity leave is the most vulnerable time for companies to lose valuable female employees. We’re not cheap to replace, either. The turnover costs for recruitment and lost productivity is estimated to be $80,000 per employee.