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November 2025
Ella Jaczynska
In our last issue of Mindset Matters we explored the topic of Parental Leave coaching with our subject matter expert Lucy James. And we promised you a deeper dive into this increasingly important area of coaching.
Parental leave transitions are one of the most overlooked yet pivotal stages in an employee’s journey and there is a growing expectation for employers to provide structured, empathetic support. Having a baby or becoming a parent can be a really exciting time. It also brings a huge amount of change both personally and professionally.
A recent survey of parents who returned to work within the last three years, found that one in four parents (26%) who didn’t receive the support they needed, left their job after returning.[i]
Provision of workplace support at this critical time isn’t just an issue of employee wellbeing; it is business-critical issue. Done well, return-to-work and parental leave coaching will drive productivity and ensure talent retention.
Why Coaching Makes a Difference
Parental leave and return-to-work coaching should be seen as targeted developmental support. Whilst everyone’s experience of parenthood is unique, there are some common challenges that arise before, during and after parental leave. By having effective support in place, businesses can maximise retention AND business continuity throughout these phases.
BEFORE
Before leave even begins, employees need support with emotional and professional readiness to facilitate a smooth transition away from the workplace.
DURING
Employees returning to work after a period of Parental Leave can often experience a growing sense of anxiety about re-joining the business. Their life has changed dramatically and the business may have experienced change too. It is important for individuals to have a plan in place and to have worked with their leaders regarding aspects of this plan.
AFTER
At Mastering Mindsets, we support both birth and non-birth parents, so that they feel as calm, confident and in control throughout this huge life transition. We help them learn to thrive in their new normal as they re-engage with their career as quickly as possible.
The results of parental leave coaching of course benefits not only the individual but the organisation as well with regards to retention, minimised disruption, culture of inclusivity and enhanced productivity.
How It Works
Mastering Mindsets’ Parental Leave Coaching comprises of several 90-minute sessions with an individual, who is either:
- About to go on leave
- Is on parental leave and is about to return to work
- Is in the process of transitioning back to work.
These sessions offer a confidential space and support to work through any issue or topic the coachee wants to discuss regarding managing this parental leave and return to work to the best of their ability.
Our package includes:
- Usually 2 sessions starting a couple of months before an individual is about to take parental leave,
- followed with a session just before returning to work,
- and then 2-3 sessions once the individual has returned to work,
- with access to an online curated Mastery Knowledge Hub of resources
The ROI for HR & Leaders
Supporting your team with return-to-work coaching delivers tangible benefits to the business:
- Improved retention of experienced talent
- Aids smoother transitions and less disruption for teams
- Fosters a culture of inclusion and care
Sometimes, it’s what other people say that can have the most impact – here is a testimonial from one of our parental leave return-to-work coachees, which hits the nail on the head!
“I strongly feel that I am still in my role because of my discussions with Lucy. Having an impartial person to speak to and assist in overcoming real and perceived obstacles in a manner that was best suited to me, without motive or pressure from my employer to meet certain KPIs, was extremely valuable. I wouldn’t have had access to this otherwise.”
If you would like to find out more about our Parental Leave and Return-to-Work coaching, check out the coaching packages on our website, or drop us a message to book a 1-2-1 discovery session.
My final thought to leave you with, is this:
Parental Leave coaching isn’t an expense – it’s an investment in sustainable performance.
Let us help you and your team to Thrive not Strive, and achieve Healthy High Performance.