You spent several lovely weeks/months hanging out with your little dude in peaceful, newborn baby bliss - or something like that. Now you're ready to hit the ground running back in the office and pick up right where you left off! Realistic? Perhaps - not in my case, though!
1) Your colleagues don't need you - yet.
Recognize - and appreciate - that your colleagues have filled your shoes while out. Many, if not all, of your projects have been managed by peers who have owned pieces of work that were once yours. There will be a point when you can get your work back - I promise! But for now, realize your colleagues don't quite need you right now, but will come back to rely on you once more work comes everyone's way.
2) Remind others of your newly available time.
Communicate to others that you have time available to support projects. Most people may think you're still getting caught up with work - when in fact, you were probably doing that while on maternity leave between naps and breastfeeding! If you don't get tasks and projects assigned, don't be dismayed - it'll take a few days/weeks for your availability to settle in with your team(s).
3) Nothing is below you.
Take any task that comes your way - menial or not - to get your foot back in the door on projects. This will not only help you learn about the work that has been done while you were away - it will also help you create work for yourself, bringing us to the next point.
4) Make work for yourself.
When all else fails, create work for yourself! Remember that database that needs updating? Or that stack of papers you never really wanted to file away? Now is the time to keep yourself busy so you don't fall into a rut.
5) Be confident - and smile!
Last but DEFINITELY not least - remain confident in yourself and your work abilities. Understand it will take some time to get back to where you were before you left - and enjoy the time you can get out the office door at 5 p.m. to kick it with your little dude at home!
