and boost team success.
How Does Your Company Help Parents Transition Back to Work?
Returning to work after extended leave can be a major challenge for employees – and a significant strain on companies too.
“Yeah, all good. Really busy, but good, you know?”
How many times have you heard that response, or something similar when you ask a working parent on your team how they’re doing?
The challenges they’re dealing with are often missed or dismissed because employees tend to put on a brave face, no matter how much they’re actually struggling.
If these transitions aren’t handled supportively and with care, it can severely impact your team’s morale, commitment, and ability to perform at their best.
Research shows that 85% of women leave full time employment 3 years within having their first child, with 19% leaving employment altogether.
Meanwhile, 1 in 3 dads actively seek new jobs for better flexibility and work-life balance. To retain your best people, your organisation must offer meaningful, personalised support to help employees re-enter the workplace with confidence.
At The Parent NEST, I help organisations support employees returning from extended leave with the resources and strategies they need for work-life balance, well-being, and long-term success.
“Anne delivered a workshop via MS teams for myself and the LINC Programme team on Wellbeing and Time Management which we found to be incredibly enlightening and empowering. Anne was able to blend both professionalism and personal connection, which added to the workshops delivery. She created an atmosphere which was welcoming and supportive, which in turn encouraged active participation and reflection among the group. This can be difficult to achieve online, but Anne nailed it!
The workshop provided is with practical tools and actionable tips, which I can see have been implemented by the team. I believe that this session left us feeling inspired, equipped and motivated to make a meaningful impact on our work/life balance”.
– Claire Butterly, Linc Programme
Why Partner with The Parent NEST?
Investing in your employees’ well-being isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a wise investment for your business.
By providing specialised support for returning parents, you’re helping to:
- Attract and retain talent: Build a family-friendly workplace that sets you apart in a competitive market.
- Boost productivity and morale: Happy, supported employees are more engaged and motivated to contribute their best work.
- Promote gender equality: My services are an effective step in closing the gender pay gap and ensuring fair career progression for all.
- Foster a culture of empathy and respect: My approach is tailored to consider the unique parenting journey of each of your employees, making them feel valued and appreciated, leading to a more engaged and connected workplace.
The support I offer is adaptable, cost-effective, and easy to implement – giving you all the benefits of a tailored, high-touch service without the complexity.
Tailored Support for Your Organisation
Every organisation is different. Team size, culture, policies, and the level of support required can vary widely.
That’s why my work with organisations is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, I partner with you to design a return-to-work support approach that meets the needs of your people, your managers, and your business.
Manager Training
Equip your leadership team with the tools to support employees returning to work, for a consistent approach that helps returners thrive long-term.
1:1 Returner Coaching
With tailored support, your employees can overcome back-to-work challenges and feel more capable and engaged in their roles, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
Webinars / Workshops
Interactive sessions for both returners and managers with expert advice and practical strategies to make the return-to-work process smoother and more positive.
Returner Guides
Comprehensive resources on time management, setting boundaries, and work-family integration to help employees feel supported and confident on their return.
Most programmes are built around individual coaching for returning parents, helping employees return to work with clarity, confidence, and a clear plan for progression and long-term career development.
Organisations can choose to enhance this support with manager and team development, as well as access to Re:Connect, a community and resource hub designed to provide ongoing guidance, practical tools, and expert insight for parents balancing work and family life.
This flexible, holistic approach supports retention, engagement, and performance — helping employees feel confident, valued, and ready to contribute at their best, while giving organisations the reassurance that their people are genuinely supported during a critical transition.
“Anne at the Parent NEST provides an excellent support service for our colleagues who are returning to work after having a baby.
The 1:1 coaching programme is a meaningful and valuable benefit we can offer our returning colleagues during their transition back to the workplace. Anne is supportive, flexible and dedicated to providing a personalised and proactive coaching experience.
We have received excellent feedback from colleagues who have worked with Anne and are delighted to be able to offer this service.”
– Catherine Troy, HR Partner, WTW
Workshops, Webinars, and Masterclasses
The Parent NEST offers corporate webinars, lunch & learns, and workshops, providing in-depth support on topics related to returning to work after parental leave. These sessions are designed for both returners and managers, covering everything from navigating parental guilt to effective time management and work-life integration.
Example topics:
- For Managers: How to support returning employees, understand their challenges, and foster an inclusive environment.
- For Returners: Managing parental guilt, setting boundaries, and developing a personalised work-life integration plan.
These sessions are interactive and practical, empowering both employees and managers with actionable strategies to make the transition back to work after leave, smoother and more positive.
“I personally benefited from the return to work coaching the most, preparing to return from maternity leave had me full of anxiety but after my session with Anne I was confident in the tools she provided me to handle the hurdles and return to my career with confidence. Couldn’t recommend enough! Would give 10 stars.”
– Caoimhe, Marketing Manager, Mum of 2
“The conversation was insightful and inspiring and full of excellent tips and tools. I was apprehensive about going back to work but the workshop has given me the energy and impetus to tackle those feelings with practical plans. I would highly recommend all parents attend prior to returning to work!”
Orla, Mum of 1
Help Your Working Parents Feel Valued and Supported
Creating a workplace where employees returning from leave feel valued and motivated is crucial for the long-term success of your organisation.
Let’s talk about how The Parent NEST can help your company support working parents, drive employee engagement, and improve overall performance.
Book a discovery call today to explore the best approach for your team.