A first-time mom who was reaching the end of her maternity leave emailed her manager about some upcoming events upon her return. More specifically, she laid out a proposed pumping schedule.
His response:
"Yes, whatever you need to do to be successful here, I am supportive. I think it would be helpful to block your calendar or the times that you will be unavailable as I (or others) may inadvertently schedule something over these times. And nothing here is so crucial that you should not take care of yourself so please let me know if there's anything else that we need to discuss."
Read the rest of the article here.
Returning parents definitely need a clear schedule of how to get back into the rhythm and particular for mother's who are feeding, comfortable areas for pumping.
I am a parent. However during office hours I am an employee and team member like anyone else for 95+% of the time.
Talk to the employee. Do not assume what they need or want i.e. pumping is not relevant to all mothers and fathers may need support too. Present options plural not options that could sound like sidelining i.e. offering part-time/flexible hours could be seen as career-limiting not supportive.
Will I be taken seriously as a career-minded employee?
Employees have commitments outside of work. Consideration should be given for any outside interests like children, cultural/religious events, dependant family members, pets, sports, etc.
Hi @Kat Warner, I definitely asked myself that same question "will I be taken seriously as a career-minded employee?" For myself, I had to push through the thoughts I was having and assert myself in the workplace. I'm sure many moms have the same thought.
And just because our brains like to mess with us - I also have worried about being seen as a heartless or uncaring parent as there is a strong expectation that mothers are a child's primary caregiver even when they are working.
Those thoughts are long gone now because my kid is awesome. :P