The Return-to-Work Tool Kit for Leaders

This month I’m continuing to share with you some tools, techniques and reflections to help support the parents in your team. Whilst traditionally my work centres on coaching the individual, I want to remind you how you can make a real difference in how a parent feels when they return to work; and how they can be supported and encouraged while working with you. I know you are busy, so I wanted to create a place where all the best blogs (of mine!) exist to help you better understand how you can help the parents in your team and access resources that support your well-being and development too. For ease, I’ve called it the “The Return-to-Work Tool Kit for Leaders”.

 

 

Let’s get straight to it then! 

 

We all know that coaching is a great tool, not just to support parents back to work, but to help them transition and develop their careers. However, there are occasions when individuals can worry that the suggestion of coaching is a negative reflection on their capability or performance. However, this is far from the case, so here are some blogs to help you highlight the well-being and development benefits of coaching:

 

How to understand your coaching needs

I feel the issue with understanding your priorities, and therefore the best coach or resource to go with is based on the incorrect belief that our coaching needs exist in silos. This is not the case, and coaching can only work by considering the impact on all the areas of your life. However, you can take steps forward by considering the most urgent issue that you need to work through. This can help you create realistic goals and practical steps to make change happen. Once you understand what you want to focus on with coaching, you can understand if coaching is the right fit for you (at the moment!). You may find that there is other support that the person needs! 

 

Next, a more specific overview of what is return to work coaching, and when is the best time to have coaching as a parent.  Finally, to remain on the theme, what parents who haven’t been coached want you to know. 

 

I’m assuming you want to develop your leadership skills and awareness to help the parents in your team? A great starting point is these books; maybe it’s time to build a personal development library at work? 

 

A manual for being human by Dr Sophie Mort

Motherhood by Dr Praya Agarwal

The book you wish your parents had read by Phillipa Perry 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Burnout (Solve your Stress Cycle) By Emily & Amelia Nagoski

The Comparison Cure by Lucy Sheridan 

Pregnant then Screwed by Joeli Brearley 

 

 

Now, here are some key areas that you can hone in on. Firstly, consider how you can create a positive environment for all the parents you work with, even when they aren’t there! Take a holistic approach to support, understanding that the transition to work is a varied one; have you considered things like sleep deprivation or children with multiple needs. This blog here will offer some insight into this.    Collaborate with the parents in the team to create the space to return positively – a great starting point is sending them their version of this blog (confidently named “ The best free return to work resource for parents!) 

 

I’m sure it comes as no surprise what I will say next. Whilst this is a toolkit for parents returning to work, a lot of this is suitable for anyone in your organization. A well-being approach (as detailed here) is essential for all; everything that you do for your team can also build a healthy space for you too. 

 

It’s not just me who believes that we must all work together to increase parental well-being. It’s a global issue too! This is a whistle-stop tour; just the beginning. They will not only help not only the parents in your team but to support you to develop a create to enjoy not endure. If this has whet your appetite for coaching (and as me as a coach and trainer), then, as my final link, let me share with you the answers to some of the questions you may have about coaching! 

 

 

If you would like to speak to me about my coaching and well-being service, feel free to book a call here. I can’t wait to be part of your larger people strategy!