Alastair Wallace shows managers how to handle maternity returns. 84% of mothers return to the same employer, but many managers ask questions like "Are you sure you're ready?" that feel like loyalty tests. Instead, ask "What would help you to return well?" and focus on concrete adjustments needed.
77% of mothers are back at work within 12 months of maternity leave, and 84% of them return to the same employer. In other words, most maternity returners do come back, and most of them come back to the organisation they already know. Managers handling maternity returners can mean well but often still make this conversation a bit clumsy. Are you sure you're ready? Will you cope? Are you still committed? That doesn't land well. It sounds suspicion, not support. Your job is to create a fair and smooth return, not to test their loyalty. Say this instead: What would help you to return well? Then ask, are there any adjustments or handovers that we need to clarify? That works because it's practical and it's respectful. You're supporting performance but without questioning And a commitment. If you want the words for more awkward manager moments just like this one, grab the free Say It First guide. I'll put it with this post.
