We welcome Lizzie Manning from Work Life Mother to the Jobs for Women Membership with a Navigating an Empowered Parental Leave Masterclass.
In the masterclass on navigating an empowered parental leave, Lizzie Martin discussed various aspects related to parental leave and how to make it a positive and empowering experience for both employees and managers. She emphasised the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals taking extended leave from work to bring a new member into their family.
Lizzie Martin highlighted the three transition points of parental leave:
- before parental leave
- during parental leave
- after parental leave
Lizzie explained that these phases can be compared to a rocket taking off, going into orbit, and coming back down to land. The outcomes of the landing can vary, and it is crucial to ensure a smooth reintegration into the workplace.
One of the key principles of an empowered parental leave is providing individuals with choices and opportunities to take responsibility for their careers. Lizzie Martin encouraged employees to be proactive and accountable for their actions during this period. She also emphasised the need for managers to support their team members and create a positive experience by addressing their career development, confidence, and connection to the team.
Additionally, Lizzie discussed the importance of knowledge and communication during parental leave. She advised managers to upskill themselves and ensure that employees are aware of the available resources and support. Maintaining communication and having a communication plan in place during parental leave can help address any issues and keep individuals connected to the team.
Here’s a rundown of what we covered:
The main topics covered in the masterclass on navigating an empowered parental leave are:
- Understanding what is meant by an empowered parental leave.
- Exploring the three transition points of parental leave: before, during, and after.
- Discussing common experiences and challenges individuals face during parental leave.
- Providing tips and strategies for managers and leaders to support their team members during parental leave.
- Emphasising the importance of communication and creating a communication plan during parental leave.
- Highlighting the need for knowledge and empowerment during parental leave.
- Introducing resources and support available, such as online courses and coaching.
The masterclass provides several strategies and resources to address the concerns of individuals taking parental leave. Some of these include:
- Upskilling: The masterclass encourages managers to upskill themselves and become knowledgeable about the available resources and support for their team members. This helps them have informed conversations and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
- Communication Plan: It emphasises the importance of having a communication plan in place during parental leave. This includes discussing with managers or team members about how to maintain contact, what technology to use, and addressing any problems that may arise during touchpoints.
- Knowledge Sharing: The masterclass emphasises the importance of knowledge and information sharing. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own parental leave experience by seeking out information about available benefits, such as keeping in touch days or access to coaches, and ensuring that they are aware of all the resources available to them.
- Empowerment: The masterclass promotes a sense of empowerment for individuals on parental leave. It encourages them to view parental leave as a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including themselves, managers, and colleagues. It emphasises the need to take initiative, be proactive, and have conversations to create a plan that works for everyone.
To access this masterclass please join the FREE Jobs for Women members club here.