Parents who code: How to welcome your developers back after parental leave | Sinéad Cummings

Welcome back to work after parental leave with a smooth transition, saying goodbye to overwhelm and hello to supported return for developers through buddy systems, gradual documentation, and prioritized mental well-being.

Key takeaways
  • Parents taking leave need to be welcomed back with a smooth transition, rather than feeling overwhelmed by changes in the company.
  • Having a buddy system in place can help new parents feel more comfortable and supported during their return to work.
  • Documentation is key to helping new parents catch up on work they may have missed during their leave, but it should be done gradually and not all at once.
  • It’s important to prioritize mental health and well-being for new parents, and to encourage them to take breaks and prioritize self-care.
  • Supporting parents can have a positive impact on gender equity in the workplace, as it can help to reduce the number of women who leave the workforce due to parental leave.
  • Companies should consider supporting parents through flexible working arrangements, such as working from home or adjusting their schedules to accommodate family responsibilities.
  • Communication is key when it comes to supporting parents, and companies should provide regular check-ins and updates to new parents to help them feel included and supported.
  • Taking leave can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for parents, but with the right support and resources, it can also be a empowering and rejuvenating experience.
  • Companies should prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees, including parents, and should actively work to reduce barriers to entry and advancement for underrepresented groups.
  • It’s important to prioritize supporting parents in the weeks and months following their return to work, as this can be a challenging and overwhelming time for many parents.