Working Parents-to-be: Your guide to parental leave and return… what to expect and how to make it work for you

This how-to guide is aimed at those becoming parents while they're working. Those who are wondering how they will still do their job as well as being a parent. Who are worried about having a conversation about changing their working pattern and not sure how to approach it. Who don't know where to start with creating a return-to-work plan. It's designed to help them with all these questions and more, guiding them every step of the way - from before they head off on parental leave to while they're away through to their return. Catherine Oliver has not only been there herself but has supported thousands of parents choosing to take on the dual roles of parent and employee. It will also be of interest to managers who so often find themselves worried about doing or saying the wrong thing - with notes especially for them at the end of every chapter.

Table of Contents:
Title Page Praise for Working Parents-to-be Copyright Page Contents Preface Introduction Part 1: Before you go on leave Chapter 1: Being aware of the challenges ahead Where do we start? The top 10 most common concerns at this point Chapter 2: Developing your support network What type of help might you need? Who might be able to help you? How do you identify the key ones? Chapter 3: Building a plan, working out what to do when Making sure you’re informed Doing some preparation – at work Doing some preparation – at home Part 2: While you’re away on parental leave Chapter 4: Reviewing what has and hasn’t changed What’s front of mind as you think about returning? The top 10 most common concerns at this point Your motivations for returning Your career aspirations Chapter 5: Preparing for conversations with managers, colleagues and key stakeholders Step 1: Reconnecting Step 2: Agreeing a return date Step 3: Agreeing any changes to your working arrangement Step 4: Creating a return plan Chapter 6: Planning for a smooth return to the organization Preparing for your return – at work Preparing for your return – at home Part 3: Returning to work Chapter 7: Recognizing the challenges of coming back What’s on your mind as you make the transition back? The top 10 most common concerns at this point Chapter 8: Working out how to overcome challenges and who can help Your first few weeks/months back Your new normal Chapter 9: Identifying new skills brought to the workplace Closing thoughts Notes Glossary of key terminology Resources and further reading Acknowledgements About the author Index

About the Author :
Catherine Oliver is a Diversity and Inclusion Advisor who specializes in helping organizations from start-ups to FTSEs support working parents and their managers. She became a parent herself during her 20-year corporate career and founded Sky’s parenting network, alongside her 'day job' in the Strategy team.

Review :
Grab a copy – it will save you so much time and smooth that emotional rollercoaster that is caring for another human being and working. - HR Director All organisations should buy a copy for their new parent employees - and for their line managers. - Amazon 5* This is a fantastic read for working people that are about to become or who have become parents. Striking the right balance to get the most from your career whilst bringing up children is something that many of us can benefit from understanding more. This book gives the opportunity to capture those life lessons proactively and learn from the experience of others. Highly recommended - Amazon 5* I loved this book. It feels as though you are talking to a friend about what to expect and how to prepare for the future as a working parent. It covers your concerns, and even things you may not of thought about yet, and helps you plan how to manage them. It guides you through the potential challenges you may encounter in an easy digestible way. - Amazon 5* As a non parent, but a CEO of a technology company, I found this a huge help in how to manage staff and expectations, and how to help our team through some of the most life changing events of their lives. This book is not just a great book for the target audience, parents to be, but a great book for those who manage people - Amazon 5* The main thing that struck me was how much useful information it contains, but how simple and accessible it is to read - breaking things down to digestible chunks. When planning for the most important time of your life, this is an invaluable guide to navigating parenthood and work - Amazon 5*