One Big Step for the Future...

I shared my experience with returning to the workforce on a number of occasions. I recently came across an article in the Washington Post, the subject of which, gave hope for the future of working mothers in America. The subject of the article was a new maternity policy at a European-based, global telecommunication company, Vodafone Group. Vodafone Group, plans to require that by the end of 2015, all of its operating companies offer a minimum of 16 weeks of paid maternity leave to its employees. Additionally, once maternity leave is over, upon returning to work, new mothers will be able to work 30 hours a week and still earn their full-time salaries for the first six months. This new policy is aimed to help new mothers transition back into the workforce.

Image courtesy of Babble.com

Interestingly, the article titled this new maternity policy as "unusual". For the United States, this is definitely unusual, but should it be? To attract and retain female employees, this policy seems so common sense. That first year is the toughest. Getting acclimated to a new child, a new routine, lack of sleep and the additional stress of a full-time job, can, and does take a tall. Everyone benefits when a new working mother has the opportunity to transition back to work in a calm manner. The result is a happy parent, who in turn, is a more focused and productive employee.

I can only hope that this "unusual" policy by Vodafone becomes the standard for companies across the country.

Read the article and more on this topic on the Washington Post website and the Huffington Post.

Until next time...

Juggling Act

If anyone comes here to read my ramblings, you've noticed that I've been a bit MIA. I have a very legitimate excuse...I just finished week 1 of being back at work. To paint an accurate picture, I will also add, that I am in the financial reporting field (accounting related) and it is year end. For those who know what I am referring to, you know that I jumped right in, with both feet. I mean, if you're going to do something, might as well go all the way.

I have to say, after Day 1, I had doubts about being able to keep all the balls in the air and still maintaining sanity. However, as the days went on, I started settling into more of a routine. The dust is slowly settling, and I am seeing that I might actually be able to wrap my arms around all that needs to get done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Before I physically went back to the office, hubby and I set down and talked about what needs to happen for us to manage our jobs, our kids and some sort of sanity. Bottom line is, organization, efficiency and tag teaming are key. You focus on priorities and don't sweat the small stuff. With today's technology, staying organized is easier than ever. Hubby and I made a list of To-Dos that need to happen on a weekly basis. We made this list share-able so that we can both see what needs to get done and what's been accomplished. The iPhone "Reminders" app, is the perfect tool for this.

Here is how you can create a To-Do list that can be shared:

1. Click on "New List"

2. Click on iCloud account

3. Name your list

4. Click "Done".

5. Click "Edit" in the top right corner.

6. Select "Sharing"

7. Add the person from your contacts that you'd like to share your list with.

That's all! Easy peasy!

I am not going to lie, going back to work was not easy. But there are definitely some positives. With the general lack of sleep, I was definitely looking forward to the fancy espresso machine that was waiting for me at the office. DIY lattes are making a comeback! (Need to work on my foam-making skills again.)

The lunches aren't too bad either. I am considering a little Instagram, lunch posts series. Here is the "What's for Lunch? The Friday Edition"...

Ultimately, it's all doable. A good approach is key. 

Stay tuned for...how I spent my last pre-working days....