Working Parents-to-be: Your guide to parental leave and return. what to expect and how to make it work for you

by Catherine Oliver

Overview

**Business Book Awards 2025 Finalist**

'This is the book I really needed when I first became a working parent!' - Kathryn Bishop, CBE

Welcome to the world of working parenthood...

• Wondering how you’ll still do your job as well as being a parent?
• Want to have a conversation about changing your working pattern but not sure how to approach it?
• Don’t really know where to start with creating a return-to-work plan?

This how-to guide is designed to help you every step of the way on your journey to becoming a working parent – from before you head off on parental leave to while you’re away and on your return. Catherine Oliver has not only been there and done that but has supported many thousands who have chosen to take on the dual roles of parent and employee.

It will also be invaluable if your partner is taking a longer period of parental leave, or if you’re a manager worried about doing or saying the wrong thing. In the past this support has only been available to employees of big corporates: now you’re holding it in your hands.

Catherine Oliver is a Diversity and Inclusion Advisor who specializes in helping organizations from start-ups to the largest listed companies support working parents and their managers. She became a parent herself during her 20-year corporate career and founded Sky’s parenting network.

'An excellent practical guide to working through the many challenges of becoming a working parent.' Colin Jones, ex-COO, Sky

'As a first-time expectant parent this book was a game-changer.' Emma McKinley, Mum-to-be & Finance Director, Haleon PLC

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781788605991
Publisher:	Practical Inspiration Publishing
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Catherine Oliver is a Diversity and Inclusion Advisor who specializes in helping organizations from start-ups to FTSEs support working parents and their managers. She became a parent herself during her 20-year corporate career and founded Sky’s parenting network, alongside her 'day job' in the Strategy team.

Table of Contents

• Title Page
• Praise for Working Parents-to-be
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• Part 1: Before you go on leave
  • Chapter 1: Being aware of the challenges ahead
    • Where do we start?
    • The top 10 most common concerns at this point
  • Chapter 2: Developing your support network
    • What type of help might you need?
    • Who might be able to help you?
    • How do you identify the key ones?
  • Chapter 3: Building a plan, working out what to do when
    • Making sure you’re informed
    • Doing some preparation – at work
    • Doing some preparation – at home
• Part 2: While you’re away on parental leave
  • Chapter 4: Reviewing what has and hasn’t changed
    • What’s front of mind as you think about returning?
    • The top 10 most common concerns at this point
    • Your motivations for returning
    • Your career aspirations
  • Chapter 5: Preparing for conversations with managers, colleagues and key stakeholders
    • Step 1: Reconnecting
    • Step 2: Agreeing a return date
    • Step 3: Agreeing any changes to your working arrangement
    • Step 4: Creating a return plan
  • Chapter 6: Planning for a smooth return to the organization
    • Preparing for your return – at work
    • Preparing for your return – at home
• Part 3: Returning to work
  • Chapter 7: Recognizing the challenges of coming back
    • What’s on your mind as you make the transition back?
    • The top 10 most common concerns at this point
  • Chapter 8: Working out how to overcome challenges and who can help
    • Your first few weeks/months back
    • Your new normal
  • Chapter 9: Identifying new skills brought to the workplace
• Closing thoughts
• Notes
• Glossary of key terminology
• Resources and further reading
• Acknowledgements
• About the author
• Index