Conversations about women returning to the workplace continue in force. Which company is best? Will the work be exciting, impactful, and challenging? What are their flexible working options and policies like? Are there women like me working there and will I make some good friends and feel included? 

Many women choose to take a break from their career for maternity or family reasons, but sometimes this temporary hiatus from the workplace can make it difficult to re-enter the workforce. Some women find the challenge returning to work overwhelming, especially when many companies do not necessarily offer flexible work options. Also the cost of childcare can be high.

And for those who do return, some women may feel their contribution under-valued due to the reduced hours they're able to commit. And quite frankly in some less progressive companies, working mothers aren't always considered a long-term asset to the company.

Knowing your value in the workplace

Thankfully, progressive companies understand that women drive significant value - whether part-time or not. 

Work-life balance is important to many returners and so flexible working arrangements are sought like part-time working, term-time working and informal home working which is becoming far more viable due to significant advances in technology.

Remaining the competent career woman you were

But once you've found your way back into the workforce, how do you re-adjust back into the daily routine, the team environment and facing the challenges you experience through your role?

To begin, re-connect with your former "workplace" you and the people who value what you do in the workplace. Your skills and experience are viable and you know that you remain the competent career woman you were when you left for last role.

Next, acknowledge that your multi-tasking skills have developed in a way you perhaps hadn't imagined. Caring for children enhances any time management and negotiation skills more than we often realize, so use this experience and let it guide you in your new environment.

Make sure flexibility works both ways

Lastly, be happy with the working hours that you can commit to and make sure the flexibility you desire works both ways. 

And remember, flexible working can mean anything from compressed hours, working freelance, working from home, and job shares.

Once you work out what's right for you, and what's right for your employer, there's no reason a productive and harmonious relationship can't ensue.