Resizing for Work after Maternity Leave

All about Maternity Leave, Women and health, Women in the Workplace, Maternity Laws and more on Mywage Zimbabwe.

By Sanday Chongo Kabange

It is a legal provision that any employed woman who gets pregnant while in employment is by Zimbabwean Law entitled to Maternity Leave. The period for Maternity Leave can be prescribed by the employing authorities, although it is recommended that considerable time be granted to a new mother to spend time with her new-born.

One challenge that most working mothers face is how to step back into their working shoes after Maternity Leave. There are a trillion tips out there that can help a mother get back into working mode.

If you are not sure how you will transform yourself from a mother to a worker, then seek advice from other working mothers. This will help you understand how they handled the situation. The best people in this case would be older mothers, who would have taken Maternity Leave much earlier than yourself.

Another painful thing that many working mothers have to endure when they are about to return to work after Maternity Leave is an inner feeling of irresponsibility abut leaving their child behind. What experts advise here is that, before you finish your Maternity Leave, you must make sure that you carefully plan your return strategy.

Consider hiring a baby sitter to look after your new born or enrol your child at a day care centre. This will offer your child care, support and attention while you are at work.

Once you are in your working spot, ensure that you do not overload yourself with a whole load of tasks. Take each day as it comes. Divide your tasks and consider formulating a work plan. Reserve some energy for your newly born baby. You will need the extra energy to look after your own child after work.

Women have the right to be on Maternity Leave and return to work after giving birth. Therefore, your employer is obliged by law to pay you accordingly, not based on your output immediately after your Maternity Leave.

Read about Maternity Leave and the Law.