Shared experiences of returning to work from maternity

Amy Farr and Anna Keys, Partners at calfordseaden, share their experience of returning to work after maternity leave.

Did you have any concerns about your career when you became pregnant?

Amy: When I found out I was pregnant, I was initially worried about how it would affect my career growth. However, I was reassured by my colleagues this would not be the case. I’m glad I didn’t listen to my own doubts as I’ve returned to work not only as a new mum but also with a new promotion to Partner!

I am proud for my involvement in pushing through the enhanced maternity package at calfordseaden, which I know will help so many women as it did me. Knowing that I had financial security made the decision to have six full months off much easier. I had a very flexible return to work, starting at three days a week from September until Christmas and then eventually phasing to full time at the beginning of 2022.

Anna: Being pregnant while working full time can be a challenging time for most expectant mothers, especially during the pandemic and if, like myself, one struggled with pregnancy complications. However, I felt extremely supported by my colleagues at calfordseaden at this time, and there was no pressure for me to go out on site which would have been a major health concern for me. I was luckily able to log onto important meetings via MS Teams.

The enhanced maternity package at calfordseaden helped massively, giving me the financial boost and confidence to be able to take the whole year off. ‘Keeping in touch days’ were vital to my return, helping me gradually transition back into work, and enabling me to support the team without the responsibility of taking the work back home with me.

How have you found returning to work after maternity leave?

Amy: Returning to work with a new baby, it was really important to me that I established a good work/life balance. To achieve a good balance, I try to focus as much as I can on work when I am at work and shut off from work and focus on my family when I am at home. Hybrid working has really helped this as it gives me the flexibility to adjust my working hours or work from home should I need to. It also really helps having a supportive team who made me feel comfortable throughout my pregnancy and now understand the different challenges of having a new baby while working full time.

Anna: Since coming back to work after my maternity leave, I have been working part-time four days a week with Mondays off, which have become mine and Ava’s bonding day. I really value this one on one time with her and look forward to it during the working week. I equally look forward to a week of work after spending that time with her. Having that day off from work during the week puts me in the best position to be able to dedicate myself to my work while at work, and to Ava from Saturday to Monday, while I am off work.

Having had the opportunity to have the keep in touch days, we were able to develop a plan that provided me with a smooth transition to work. I also attended a few social activities including a team Christmas lunch and staff summer event, which were a great way to stay in touch with colleagues across the practice in a more informal setting, without the pressure of work.

Do you believe becoming a mother has affected your career prospects?

Amy: My promotion was always a career aspiration and having a child hasn’t set me back. Going on maternity leave and returning to work with the extra responsibilities of being a mum didn’t make it more difficult to get promoted, I just done my job and was recognised for it.

I knew I was always going to return to work as I love my job and feel it gives me purpose. I love being a mum, but that is not all I am. At work, I feel valued for my skills and I know that the knowledge I have developed through years of training and experience truly adds value to schemes that I work on.

Anna: Having been promoted to Partner a year before I became pregnant with Ava, I was eager to return to work and take on more Group Leader responsibilities. January will mark 19 years since joining calfordseaden. I am proud of how much I have progressed in my career and how having a baby has not had an impact on my progression or ability to perform my role.