From Boardroom to Babies and Back Again: The Hidden Cost of Unsupported Returns to Work

Wisdom For Working Mums

Returning to work after having a baby is one of the most emotionally charged transitions a woman can face, and it’s one that too often goes unsupported. In this powerful episode, I am joined by business psychologist and founder of & Culture Consulting, Clare Radford, to explore the findings from her groundbreaking report, How to Support Returning Parents: From Boardroom to Babies and Back Again. With insights drawn from nearly 400 personal stories, Clare shines a light on the unseen struggles faced by women returning from maternity leave, and what businesses must do to keep their top talent from quietly slipping away. Together, we dive into the emotional toll, the hidden biases, and the practical steps needed to build a workplace where working parents can thrive. In this episode, you’ll discover: The emotional and psychological impact of returning to work as a parent Why ambition doesn’t disappear with parenthood, and what organisations are missing The five game-changing strategies every employer should implement How self-advocacy can transform a return-to-work experience The cost to businesses and society of getting this wrong, and the ROI of getting it right Whether you’re a working mum preparing to return to work, an HR leader wanting to improve retention, or someone passionate about creating more humane workplaces, this episode is essential listening.

You can listen to the episode here or via itunes or spotify. Or you can find it on most other podcast platforms and apps.

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