With my maternity leave coming up in two months, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and worry. I’m responsible for a team of 10, and while I’m working to delegate tasks and ensure a smooth handoff, I can’t help but wonder how things will go while I’m away—and how I’ll manage the transition back. Will my team respect me the same way? Will I feel out of the loop? For other women managers who’ve been through this, how did you handle the workload before leaving and coming back? Any advice on balancing leadership and this huge life change?

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The best part of this is that you get to leave and let them figure it out. It's your job, and while we as people managers often feel responsible for everyone else, we're really not. You can only do what you can with the time you're given. So work your hardest to prepare them and then let them figure out the rest. They are probably more capable than you're giving them credit for

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Went through a ton of emotions before I went on maternity leave. Had a lot of the same questions too, end of the day though you just make sure you have done what you need to and then you’ll have plenty enough to worry about for yourself when the time comes. The anxiety leading up to it is much worse, also coming back took a bit, but it all settles not long after!

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Losing my admin manager was like losing an appendage. We managed, but it was a huge relief when she came back.

If you've got a good team, they'll respect you more for modeling work-life balance, trust, and accountability. Everyone feels out-of-the-loop after coming back from extended leave, but focus on your core processes and responsibilities for work, and take an interest in what you missed out of their lives once you get back. They'll appreciate you finding your center again and that you missed them.

Depending on relationships, I would also encourage casual check-ins (informal, not work related) during your leave. One great way to do this is to have a trusted teammate let you know about birthdays so that you can still sign the cards or chip in for a gift. I would also recommend nominating a few star performers for recognition before you leave (if you've been putting it off) so that they know you appreciate them.

Doing some of these will keep you in the loop that matters and your communications channels open.

OP you will probably feel a little out of the loop but it won't last long. Believe me, your team will still respect you that isn't going to change. When I came back from maternity leave it didn't take me long to get right back into the swing of things and then it was like I was never gone.

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