PARENTS
What Do I Say? Your Back-From-Parental-Leave Communication Guide
Get everyone on the same page for your post-parental leave return.
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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PARENTS
Written by
Happiest Baby Staff
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Bestsellers
While everyone’s emotional and logistical return to work after having a baby is different, one thing is for certain: Reentry is intense! By the time you’re staring down your return date, chances are you’ve already tackled the heavy-hitting to-dos, like finding childcare and helping your little one take a bottle in your absence. But there’s one more crucial step: Effectively communicating your return to your employer, team, and clients. Here, your quick and easy guide to navigating this process with confidence.
It’s recommended that you touch base with your supervisor a few weeks before you’re scheduled to return to work. At this point, it’s a good idea to:
Subject: Returning from Parental Leave / Touch base
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Hello! I’m writing to confirm my return from parental leave on [date]. I’m looking forward to rejoining the team and diving back into work. But before my big return, I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss my transition, including:
Please let me know a few convenient times for us to virtually meet next week. Thank you for your support during my leave! I’m looking forward to a productive return.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Returning from Parental Leave / Let’s reconnect
Dear [Client’s Name],
I’m so pleased to reconnect with you—and to let you know that I’ll be returning from parental leave as of [date]. I’m all set to touch base with [Manager’s Name] on [date] to get a status update, and I would also love to pencil you in for a check-in after that to:
Let me know a few convenient times for a virtual or in-person meet-up the week of [date]. I look forward to our continued collaboration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Touching base with stakeholders is just the first step! You’ll also want to establish an open line of ongoing communication as you shift into your new role as a working parent:
Subject: Back from maternity leave / Ready to reconnect
Dear [Manager’s Name],
The day has arrived! I wanted to let you know that I’ve officially returned from maternity leave. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and once again contributing to our team’s success.
We’ve got a meeting scheduled for [today/tomorrow] at [time] so we can catch up on additional developments and review my current projects and priorities.
I’ve attached an agenda along with the work schedule we discussed earlier. Thank you again for everything.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Back from leave / Let’s catch up
Dear [Team member ],
Hello! I’m back from parental leave and am excited to reconnect. Let’s meet at [time] to go over some key points, like:
I’ve attached an agenda here and have sent you a calendar invite. Looking forward to chatting!
Best,
[Your Name]
Subject: Back From Parental Leave / Check in & agenda
Dear [Client’s Name],
I’m emailing to let you know that I’ve officially returned from parental leave! I’m looking forward to our scheduled touch-base on [date/time]. Please see the attached meeting agenda. Feel free to ping me with other topics we should go over.
Thank you again for your continued support. I'm looking forward to reconnecting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.
