Family First

As parents, navigating the delicate balance between family life and professional responsibilities is often akin to walking a tightrope. 

Erin Hogan, a devoted mother to her daughters Willow and Hazel, and her furry companion Kirby, shares her journey of transitioning back to work after maternity leave, setting family values, overcoming mum guilt, and envisioning a more supportive future for working parents.

Navigating the Transition & Setting Expectations

For Erin, returning to work after maternity leave was not merely a logistical adjustment but a profound emotional journey. 

With the birth of her first daughter, Willow, in the start of the pandemic, Erin found herself grappling with the delicate balance of tending to a toddler while reintegrating into the professional sphere. The isolation imposed by lockdown measures only compounded the emotional strain, underscoring the importance of deliberate efforts to reestablish connections and acclimate to the workplace environment.

Recognising the emotional weight of entrusting the care of my children to others, I made the conscious decision to enroll them in daycare ahead of my return to work. Despite the financial implications, this period served as a vital emotional buffer, affording me the opportunity to mentally prepare for the separation and navigate the inevitable challenges of drop-off rituals with greater resilience.

Erin also highlights the importance of fostering open and transparent dialogue with your Leaders, sharing both apprehensions and expectations surrounding your return.

Communicating my intention to adopt a gradual approach to reintegration, prioritising a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape within the HR domain, was instrumental in establishing a supportive framework conducive to my professional development.

On the home front, when Erin returned to work her and Brad had a serious discussion about sharing the responsibility of pick-ups and drop-offs.

Brad, an electrician working on a contract basis, doesn't have the luxury of sick leave or annual leave, so every hour counts for our paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle. With me back at work three days a week, I take on the morning routine, which often involves tears and tantrums, while Brad handles the pick-ups.

When it comes to tackling the challenges of childhood illnesses, they both pitch in with the goal to share the load as much as possible.

Prioritising Connection and Gratitude

At the heart of Erin's parenting journey lies a commitment to family values centered around connection and gratitude. 

Brad and I prioritise family above all else. We've made it a daily tradition to gather around the dinner table together, sharing what we're thankful for. It's always a delight to hear our cheeky two-year-old's nightly response!

This practice serves as a cornerstone for fostering honesty, expressing love openly, and instilling a sense of gratitude in their daughters, Willow and Hazel.

“Nothing quite compares to the weight of mum guilt.”

"Mum guilt" is a familiar companion for many working mothers, and Erin is no exception.

Personally, the memory of missing Mother's Day at kinder when she was 3 and 4 years old still lingers with me. These occasions always seem to coincide with the busiest times for working parents. It's heart-wrenching to see your first baby with tears in her eyes, struggling to comprehend why I couldn't be there for her. Even two years later, her mentions of those missed moments still tug at my heartstrings.

Learning from these moments Erin has made a commitment to prioritising meaningful moments with her children. She makes this possible with a little re-organising of her calendar, leaning on her support network and showing herself some self-compassion.

It's all about showing myself compassion and making sure I'm there for the moments that matter most to my girls.

The evolution of Erin's perspective on work-life balance has been shaped by her experiences as a parent and the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Success for me is about finding joy in what I do while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I've learned to prioritise my mental well-being, ensuring that I don't bring home the stress and anxiety of work to my precious girls.

Before diving into motherhood, Erin was fully immersed in her successful HR career, working long hours for the thrill of seeing her name in lights as one of the company's top billers. Becoming a Mum has shifted her perspective but not her commitment.  

Recognising the value of flexibility and remote work arrangements, Erin has embraced opportunities to maximise productivity while prioritising precious moments with her children. 

Like many parents before me, I didn't fully grasp the intricate dance of balancing work and family until I found myself in the midst of it.

Shaping a Supportive Future for Working Parents

Looking ahead, Erin envisions a future where workplaces prioritise the well-being of working parents, especially during significant life events such as maternity leave. 

I strongly believe that companies should place a greater emphasis on supporting employees, especially during significant life events such as maternity leave.

From implementing "keeping in touch" days to fostering open communication and providing structured onboarding experiences, Erin advocates for tangible steps to create more inclusive and family-friendly workplaces.

• Keep employees informed about changes within the business, such as new hires, departures, or shifts in company strategy. 

• Utilise communication channels to ensure individuals feel informed and included.

• Provide a Structured Onboarding Experience:

  - Set clear expectations for employees returning from maternity leave.

  - Initially reduce targets to ease the transition back into the workplace.

  - Facilitate collaborative discussions to establish the best way forward for all parties.

  - Schedule regular check-ins to assess progress and identify any necessary adjustments.

Erin's vision for the future underscores the importance of empathy, communication, and flexibility in driving positive change and creating environments where working parents can thrive.

Erin’s journey embodies the resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment of working parents navigating one of life’s most complex transitions.  

Erin exemplifies the strength and determination of working parents everywhere.