Amy Farr: my return to work after maternity leave

When I found out I was pregnant, I was worried how it would affect my career growth. However, as soon as I spoke to Chris, he reassured that this would not be the case. I am pleased to say he was right, as I’ve not only returned to work as a new mum but also with a new promotion to Partner!

I am proud for my involvement in pushing through the enhanced maternity package at calfordseaden, which I know will help so many women as it did me. Knowing that I had financial security made the decision to have six full months off much easier. I had a very flexible return to work, starting at three days a week from September until Christmas and then eventually phasing to full time at the beginning of 2022.

Back at work

Returning to work with a new baby, it was really important to me that I established a good work/life balance. To achieve a good balance, I try to focus as much as I can on work when I am at work and shut off from work and focus on my family when I am at home. Hybrid working has really helped this as it gives me the flexibility to adjust my working hours or work from home should I need to. It also really helps having a supportive team who made me feel comfortable throughout my pregnancy and now understand the different challenges of having a new baby while working full time.

My promotion was always a career aspiration and having a child hasn’t set me back. Going on maternity leave and returning to work with the extra responsibilities of being a mum didn’t make it more difficult to get promoted, I just done my job and was recognised for it.

I knew I was always going to return to work as I love my job and feel it gives me purpose. I love being a mum, but that is not all I am. At work, I feel valued for my skills and I know that the knowledge I have developed through years of training and experience truly adds value to schemes that I work on.

Paying it forward

I started my career over ten years ago and have been so supported by colleagues through various stages of my professional and personal development. I truly value the importance of teamwork and mentorship so it is important to me to continually support the next generation. Last year, I was proud to become a Mentor for the Institute of Occupational Health (IOSH) where I support other IOSH members with their professional development. I also hope to use my position to support other women going through a similar experience through the maternity and promotion processes. I hope I can be a positive advocate for women in the industry.