Stage 5 - After your return to work

Welcome Back!

In this stage, you will find tips to help you manage your career at Transport as a working parent. While this is the final stage in our program, your parental journey has just started.

Going back to work can be challenging at first. The tips provided below will help you to better manage your return to work and first few weeks in your role.

  • Attend Staying Connected Workshop, if you have not done so already
  • Consider using a temporary flexible working arrangement to ease yourself back into work, such as by working few days each week rather than full time in your first month back
  • Be flexible and prepared to negotiate your flexible work options if you need to
  • Take little steps and expect there will be things you have forgotten or new processes you are not familiar with
  • Speak up, if you feel you are not in control of your working day or not managing expectations
  • Set clear expectations
  • Prioritise your activities and commitments
  • Celebrate achievements and milestones
  • Seek help and support when you need to, either at work, from family or a confidential service such as the EAP program.padlock

At work

  • Use a daily to-do-list and prioritise tasks
  • Break large tasks into small ones and complete on at a time based on priority
  • Review your work regularly and check if you are using your time effectively
  • Seek support from your colleagues and managers
  • At the end of the day review your to-do-list and re-prioritise for the next day
  • If your circumstances change, renegotiate expectations and flexible work arrangements

At home

  • Shop and prepare meals in advance
  • Use a family calendar to schedule holidays, events and important appointments
  • Establish a family routine to share household chores Get help with your household chores if you need it
  • Make time to relax and do what you enjoy
  • Look for ways to manage your working week more simple
  • Prepare yourself and your child the night before e.g. packed lunches, outfits, etc.
  • Refine your personal development plan with your manager
  • Reflect on your default work style now that you are a parent e.g. how might your time management skills help or provide an opportunity for you to juggle responsibilities
  • Be prepared to have honest conversations with your team and manager about what’s working and what could be improved. See Flexibility Conversations Guide and videos for further guidance in having these conversations
  • Consider finding a professional mentorpadlock
  • Reach out for confidential support (if you need to) through the Employee Assistance Program - call 1300 360 364
  • Discuss your achievements, ask questions and share success stories in the Staying Connected discussion forum.

Depending on your flexible work arrangements, you may face some challenges managing relationships and expectations.

To maintain good relationships and manage expectations consider the following:

Communications

  • If your working hours/days have changed and/or you are working remotely, you will need to choose an effective communication method that is best for the situation and that is suitable for you and the other party.
  • Keep communication lines open with your manager, colleagues and stakeholder and evaluate when things change or issues arise

Teamwork

When working flexibly you may find that you don’t have as many opportunities to actively contribute to your team or support colleagues. Look at ways to reduce the impact of your schedule on your role as a team member.

Stakeholders

Your stakeholders may not understand the restrictions and scheduling conflicts that may arise when you work flexibly. It is important to consider the needs of each party, set clear expectations and explore solutions that have the minimum impact on you and your stakeholders.

Be flexible

Regularly review your arrangements and workplace requirements and make adjustments.

‘Check in’ and see how you are going. You can also get some ideas of what you can do to ensure you are looking after your health and well-being during different stages of your journey.

Download the PDF version here

Beyondblue Pregnancy and new parents

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

Raising Children Network

Adoption & Permanent Care Association of NSW- Book Review

Books

Below is a list of books that you may find helpful. Choose what suits you and meets your reading expectations.

Welcome Back!

In this stage, you will find tips to help you manage your career at Transport as a working parent. While this is the final stage in our program, your parental journey has just started.

Going back to work can be challenging at first. The tips provided below will help you to better manage your return to work and first few weeks in your role.

  • Attend Staying Connected Workshop, if you have not done so already
  • Consider using a temporary flexible working arrangement to ease yourself back into work, such as by working few days each week rather than full time in your first month back
  • Be flexible and prepared to negotiate your flexible work options if you need to
  • Take little steps and expect there will be things you have forgotten or new processes you are not familiar with
  • Speak up, if you feel you are not in control of your working day or not managing expectations
  • Set clear expectations
  • Prioritise your activities and commitments
  • Celebrate achievements and milestones
  • Seek help and support when you need to, either at work, from family or a confidential service such as the EAP program.padlock

At work

  • Use a daily to-do-list and prioritise tasks
  • Break large tasks into small ones and complete on at a time based on priority
  • Review your work regularly and check if you are using your time effectively
  • Seek support from your colleagues and managers
  • At the end of the day review your to-do-list and re-prioritise for the next day
  • If your circumstances change, renegotiate expectations and flexible work arrangements

At home

  • Shop and prepare meals in advance
  • Use a family calendar to schedule holidays, events and important appointments
  • Establish a family routine to share household chores Get help with your household chores if you need it
  • Make time to relax and do what you enjoy
  • Look for ways to manage your working week more simple
  • Prepare yourself and your child the night before e.g. packed lunches, outfits, etc.
  • Refine your personal development plan with your manager
  • Reflect on your default work style now that you are a parent e.g. how might your time management skills help or provide an opportunity for you to juggle responsibilities
  • Be prepared to have honest conversations with your team and manager about what’s working and what could be improved. See Flexibility Conversations Guide and videos for further guidance in having these conversations
  • Consider finding a professional mentorpadlock
  • Reach out for confidential support (if you need to) through the Employee Assistance Program - call 1300 360 364
  • Discuss your achievements, ask questions and share success stories in the Staying Connected discussion forum.

Depending on your flexible work arrangements, you may face some challenges managing relationships and expectations.

To maintain good relationships and manage expectations consider the following:

Communications

  • If your working hours/days have changed and/or you are working remotely, you will need to choose an effective communication method that is best for the situation and that is suitable for you and the other party.
  • Keep communication lines open with your manager, colleagues and stakeholder and evaluate when things change or issues arise

Teamwork

When working flexibly you may find that you don’t have as many opportunities to actively contribute to your team or support colleagues. Look at ways to reduce the impact of your schedule on your role as a team member.

Stakeholders

Your stakeholders may not understand the restrictions and scheduling conflicts that may arise when you work flexibly. It is important to consider the needs of each party, set clear expectations and explore solutions that have the minimum impact on you and your stakeholders.

Be flexible

Regularly review your arrangements and workplace requirements and make adjustments.

‘Check in’ and see how you are going. You can also get some ideas of what you can do to ensure you are looking after your health and well-being during different stages of your journey.

Download the PDF version here

Beyondblue Pregnancy and new parents

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)

Raising Children Network

Adoption & Permanent Care Association of NSW- Book Review

Books

Below is a list of books that you may find helpful. Choose what suits you and meets your reading expectations.

  • Breastfeeding Facilities - available at specific locations!

    The following locations can be used as breastfeeding facilities

    18 Lee St Chippendale
    Nursing Room / prayer room Level 1 (Next to the main kitchen area)

    20-44 Ennis Road, Milsons Point
    First Aid room
    Ground Floor (behind concierge next to handy man store past bike racks)

    266 King Street New Castle
    Wellness room
    Level 7 (In between the Kira Kira and Pirrita rooms)

    130 George Street Parramatta
    Wellbeing room
    Level 11 (Near the other meeting rooms on level 11)
    Please use the room as normal and if you experience any clashes inform concierge. The room is usually free.

    2 Trafalgar Street Petersham
    First Aid room
    Ground Floor (Near the mail room, near the auditorium)
    Put up an occupied sign when in use

    33 James Craig Road, Rozelle
    First Aid room
    Ground Floor (Near EOT rooms along hallway in between a the reception and the café

    93 Morgan Street Wagga Wagga
    Wellness room
    Level 2 (Underneath the level 3 kitchen area)

    No facilities currently available
    76 Victoria Street (Regional Office) Grafton
    76 Fitzroy Street (Pacific Hwy Office) Grafton

    51 Currajong Street Parkes

Page last updated: 17 Jun 2019, 11:30 PM