Description
Going through the parental transition is an understandably, hugely vulnerable time for women in their lives and careers. Managing your maternity leaver well can be crucial to maintain employee engagement and stay on track with getting gender parity at a senior level.
Challenges Faced by Working Mothers
One-third globally think childcare hurts women's careers more than men's. Similarly, 31% of women say caring duties have impacted their careers. source: IPSOS & Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London - International Women's day 2022
Moreover, a lack of workplace support has led 19% of mothers to consider resigning. source. 2023 Fawsett Society - Paths to parenthood: Uplifting new mothers at work.
The Critical Role of Line Managers
Managers are on the front line of employees' day-to-day experiences, which means their actions have a significant impact. Particularly, the quality of relationship and communication with line managers. (EHRC, 2016b)
Module Goals and Objectives
This module aims to up-skill line managers to confidently manage and support their direct reports through the maternity leave transition.
Explore the role of line managers through real-life experiences of parental leave, providing actionable steps for individual and organisational success, to ensure everyone can continue to thrive at work.
It is a core belief of ours that it is possible to have a fulfilling career and a happy home life and this is a core principle behind our work here.
We hope that you will leave this module:
- Understanding that the role of line manager will have a huge impact on a direct report's experience of leave and the transition back to work.
- Appreciation that returners want balance, authenticity and challenge from their careers.
- With greater confidence and practical steps you can take in the 'before leave' period.
- With a different perspective of staying in touch with your Direct Report in the 'during leave' stage.
- Actionable ways in which you can support your returner as they head back to the office - including understanding confidence dips, making flexible working work & prioritisation.
Module Structure and Learning Approach
We adopt a multimedia approach consisting of text, video, practical tips & further resources.
We use coaching techniques to guide the line manager through core skills, tips and conversation starters so that they can provide effective support.
Each module shares lived experiences of life events to support line managers' ability to perspective take.
Each module takes about 60-90 minutes, signposting further resources giving users option to spend longer digging into the topics.
For a taste of this module, watch this video by founder of the Hobbs Consultancy, Roxanne Hobbs, giving a short introduction.
