3 Tips to Return to Work as a New Mom

For new mom’s getting back to work, there is one common realization, they now have juggle dual identities - a mother and an employee. This, as well as other aspects, were identified in a recent survey conducted by Monster. According to the survey, only 20% of women in Singapore affirmed to a formal flexible arrangement in their organization. On the other hand, as many as 50% of the women surveyed said that maintaining work-life balance is the biggest challenge they face. The survey also found that nearly 56% of the respondents had to deal with setbacks in their careers while they chose to start a family.

In fact, the statistics support what is also an intuitive realization – it a challenge for new mom’s to get back to work because juggling both family and work is a daunting task. And since it is difficult to strike a balance between the two without support at both home and work, most women are stuck in the either/or position when it comes to work and family. As a result, they are left with no options but to choose family over work.

We understand how difficult it is to make this transition for a new mother and have come up with some simple tips to help you along the way.

1. Ask for flexibility at work
In the pursuit of greater work-life balance, many employers are considering to provide flexible work arrangements not only for working mothers but for all employees. This is becoming all the more important as, without greater flexibility at work, as many as 70% of women will change their jobs in the next 12 months. Flexibility has to be tailored to the individual, and that can only be achieved if working mothers are able to communicate their needs effectively to their employers. So, don't be afraid to set parameters, like dedicating weeknights exclusively for the family – but be mindful that you'll have to remain focused during work hours.

2. Include other moms in the process
Don't hesitate to connect with fellow working mothers to learn from their experiences and to perhaps implement some of the things they found helpful in your life. At work, set deadlines that account for your schedule, and delegate work if necessary. Just be mindful that the same request might come your way one day, so be open to lending them a helping hand in return.

3. Manage your time
Trying to balance both parental and professional duties can easily take up a huge chunk of your time. It is, therefore, no surprise that 53% of men and 50% of women surveyed believe that work-life balance is their biggest challenge. While, there will be some trade-offs, setting the right priorities is key to making your life run smoothly. To avoid feeling bogged down, try getting help whenever you can, be it shopping for groceries online or cooking your week’s lunches in one go on a weekend. Be sure to also reserve some time just for yourself in order to keep your sanity while juggling dozens of tasks.

For more information on how women in Singapore are managing their dual roles, visit us on shemakesitwork.