Returning to work after parental leave: how mothers use their skills for the job

Returning to work after parental leave: Anna's challenge

Anna worked for many years as an HR specialist in a bank. After seven years of parental leave, she returns motivated - but quickly realizes that many things are different.

🔹 New digital HR tools and recruiting software that she doesn't yet know
🔹 Hybrid working - many meetings take place online
🔹 Agile working and changing team structures

Anna asks herself: "Can I even keep up?

Why parents are often underestimated when returning to work

Anna feels insecure at first. But then she realizes: As a mother, she has trained exactly the skills that are in demand in the working world today!

Organizational talent: She plans, prioritizes and coordinates various tasks on a daily basis.
Flexibility & agility: She constantly adapts to new situations and finds solutions.
Self-management & stress resistance: She remains calm and efficient even under pressure.
Strong communication skills: She mediates, negotiates, motivates and resolves conflicts - every day.

💡 Re-entry does not mean "starting from scratch", but "consciously using existing skills".

3 strategies for a successful return to work after parental leave

1. micro-learning: building knowledge in small steps

With "micro-learning", Anna opts for a learning strategy that fits perfectly into her everyday life as a mommy. Instead of hour-long courses, she opts for short, targeted learning units that can be easily integrated into her daily routine. Studies show that this approach is not only more effective, but also more sustainable because the brain processes smaller chunks of knowledge better(Hug, 2005; Buchem & Hamelmann, 2010). In concrete terms, it does:

• Online courses & webinars as well as tutorials for digital tools and recruiting software
• Short videos & podcasts about agile working and New Work
• Practical exercises for direct transfer to everyday working life

2. mentoring & networks: seeking support instead of doing everything alone

Anna knows that success is teamwork - whether in the family or at work. She uses her network:

• An experienced colleague helps her with onboarding
• Exchange with other people returning to work provides security
• LinkedIn groups & HR communities help to understand current trends

💡Learning effect: networks make it easier to get back into work - and help you stay on the ball.

3. consciously design self-management & hybrid working methods

In addition to the technical topics, Anna also optimizes her self-organization for hybrid working.

• Prioritization methods such as the Eisenhower matrix help to maintain focus
• Digital tools such as calendar apps and to-do lists structure the working day
• Mindfulness & resilience techniques reduce stress and excessive demands

💡Result: Anna remains efficient and flexible - and still has enough time for her family.

Happy ending: From re-entry to expert for New Work

Anna's new strategy enables her to successfully get back into work:

• She has mastered the digital HR tools and works more efficiently than ever before.
• She becomes an expert in hybrid working in her department.
• She now consciously uses her strengths from family management in her job.

💡 Your learning?
Parental leave is not a career break - but a phase in which many valuable soft skills are trained.
With the right strategy, returning to work is easier

Conclusion: What you can learn from Anna's story

• You already have many skills - recognize them and use them purposefully.
• Micro-learning and digital training help you to get fit again quickly.
• Networks and mentoring are essential for a successful re-entry.
• Self-management techniques make it easier to balance work and private life.

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Do you recognize yourself in Anna's story? Are you back at work yourself after a break - or would you like to prepare yourself specifically for the new challenges of the digital working world?

On our platform, you will find the right training courses, input and inspiration to strengthen these skills. Whether it's digital tools, self-management or communication - with the right skills, you can take the next step in your career with confidence. Take a look and find the training or learning snacks that will take you to the next level! 🚀

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