Keely Shay’s Post

Currently on maternity leave and navigating the job search process. Maternity leave isn't all that it's cracked up to be – it's incredibly busy with hardly a moment to yourself! A huge shoutout to companies that simplify job applications by extracting the resume info from uploads. This streamlined process is a game changer, allowing for more quality time with my little ones! Here’s a pic of them just because. #MaternityLeave #JobSearch #WorkingMom #Parenting #QualityTime

Where have all the maternity covers gone?! In the world of HR, a predominantly female industry, maternity covers are usually our bread and butter. I say 'usually' because this year we've filled one. Yes, literally ONE! You can only assume this is because the work is being absorbed by existing teams. Whilst this might offer great career development opportunities for some, you can't help but wonder if colleagues are being overloaded with extra work, quite possibly for no extra pay. And if someone returning from parental leave hasn't had anyone looking after their work, what will their workload look like on their return. Eek! Is this something you've experienced in your career? Or perhaps you've worked for an Employer who has ensured your work has been in capable hands, and made your return to work as seamless as possible? We'd love to hear your stories especially as we often get asked which Employers locally are family friendly…. #maternityleave #familyfriendlyemployers

Where have all the maternity covers gone?! In the world of HR, a predominantly female industry, maternity covers are usually our bread and butter. I say 'usually' because this year we've filled one. Yes, literally ONE! You can only assume this is because the work is being absorbed by existing teams. Whilst this might offer great career development opportunities for some, you can't help but wonder if colleagues are being overloaded with extra work, quite possibly for no extra pay. And if someone returning from parental leave hasn't had anyone looking after their work, what will their workload look like on their return. Eek! Is this something you've experienced in your career? Or perhaps you've worked for an Employer who has ensured your work has been in capable hands, and made your return to work as seamless as possible? We'd love to hear your stories especially as we often get asked which Employers locally are family friendly…. #maternityleave #familyfriendlyemployers

Where have all the maternity covers gone?! In the world of HR, a predominantly female industry, maternity covers are usually our bread and butter. I say 'usually' because this year we've filled one. Yes, literally ONE! You can only assume this is because the work is being absorbed by existing teams. Whilst this might offer great career development opportunities for some, you can't help but wonder if colleagues are being overloaded with extra work, quite possibly for no extra pay. And if someone returning from parental leave hasn't had anyone looking after their work, what will their workload look like on their return. Eek! Is this something you've experienced in your career? Or perhaps you've worked for an Employer who has ensured your work has been in capable hands, and made your return to work as seamless as possible? We'd love to hear your stories especially as we often get asked which Employers locally are family friendly…. #maternityleave #familyfriendlyemployers

Navigating Challenging Times: A Call for Fair Practices Melorra Today, I am compelled to share a personal experience that has left me disheartened and in search of answers. After returning from maternity leave, I was laid off on the very day I rejoined my organization. Despite the challenging timing, I remained professional and adhered to the company's requests, including signing a resignation letter in exchange for a promised severance package. However, what followed has been months of silence, unfulfilled promises, and delayed payments for my maternity period, severance, and earned leave encashment. For over seven months, I've been waiting for the salary I rightfully earned, which is crucial for supporting my family and fulfilling essential responsibilities. As professionals, we often speak about inclusivity, supporting working mothers, and ensuring employee well-being. But when these values aren't reflected in actions, it raises questions about fairness in the workplace. I was loyal and dedicated, coming to work up until the last day of my pregnancy, and it’s disheartening to be left without support when I needed it most. To employers out there, I ask that we strive for better—let's honor our commitments and support employees in difficult times. For fellow professionals going through similar situations, I stand with you and hope that by sharing our stories, we can drive meaningful change. #WorkingMothers #FairWorkplaces #EmployeeRights #Professionalism #SupportWorkingMoms #EqualOpportunities Melorra Melorra Saroja Yeramilli Nirdosh Chouhan

As we champion women in the workplace, it’s essential to ensure seamless support for those about to take maternity leave. Here’s how you can help: 1️⃣ Pre-Leave Planning: Collaborate with the expectant employee to plan for their leave well in advance. This includes setting clear expectations and handing over responsibilities smoothly. 2️⃣ Communication: Keep lines of communication open. Regular check-ins before and during maternity leave can help maintain a connection and make the transition back to work easier. 3️⃣ Support Networks: Encourage involvement in networks or support groups to share experiences and advice. 4️⃣ Flexible Return: Offer flexible return-to-work options to ease the transition, such as phased return or part-time hours initially. Need to cover a maternity leave gap? Looking for a short-term role during or after your maternity leave? Contact Layka Recruitment! We specialise in connecting qualified professionals with companies that value and support their female workforce. #SupportingWomen #MaternityLeave #LaykaRecruitment #HRSupport 📞 Get in touch with us to find the perfect maternity cover or explore new opportunities

As I prepare for my maternity leave 🤰, I’m filled with a sense of excitement about the next chapter... but also an awareness of the anxieties that come with it, especially when it comes to career progression and the potential for a slowdown. Maternity leave is a time of transformation, both personally and professionally. In my coaching, I've been passionate about helping others navigate this transition—preparing for leave, managing the stress of being away from work, or re-entering the workforce with confidence. Now it's time to practice what I preach! Over the next 3 weeks, I'll be handing over responsibilities to a superstar for my maternity cover, ensuring they are set up for success. If you’re preparing for maternity leave or returning from it and feeling anxious about the impact on your career, I'm always up for a chat! In the meantime, please share your top tips that have been helpful to you! Let’s redefine what it means to step back and step forward, all at once. #MaternityLeave #CareerProgression #Coaching #ReturnToWork

For a top candidate like her, whom I’ve personally had the privilege of seeing in action, this is truly disappointing. She remained at the forefront of the industry during her employment and continued honing her technical skills even while on maternity leave. Employers who downgrade talent simply because of maternity leave are not only being unfair but also overlooking highly skilled professionals. It’s a shame that such biases still exist in today’s workplace.

Have someone in your team due to return to work after maternity leave? Know someone close to you that is about to experience this and want to help? Or are you a non-parent wanted to better understand how you can support? Join our interactive virtual workshop on Friday (just a few days away) to explore, discuss and reflect on these practical ways we can help. Returning to work after maternity leave is daunting (iykyk), by brushing up on these skills and practical ways you can help, we not only make the lives of mums that little easier, we support with engagement of those valued employees, which will lead to improved retention and then an increase in representation at a senior level. Can't wait to see you there. Link in comments.

Taking HRBP to Maternity Leave: A Hands-On Approach! 👶💼 When I was preparing for the most significant and hands-on role yet – being a mom – I knew I would temporarily step away from my Global HRBP duties. While I'm missing the HR hustle, I was stoked for this new adventure. Parenthood teaches us patience, empathy, and resilience – qualities that'll level up my HR game upon my return. Can't wait to bring the best of both worlds back to the table! Here are 5 tips for rocking your maternity leave: 1. **Plan like a Boss**: Delegate, document, and ensure your work squad's on point. I organized my inbox and folders for easy access to info, juggling HR tasks, and soothing my sweet, demanding baby girl, Romi. 2. **Document, Document, Document**: Leave no process unrecorded! I left my colleagues detailed spreadsheets – notes and all. They thanked me a lot in the past months. 😉 3. **Communicate Like a Pro**: Clear instructions are key. Whether it's a bat signal or a baby cry recording, keep the lines open for emergencies. 4. **Train Your Stand-In Sidekick**: Passing the superhero torch (less spandex, more spreadsheets). Train your replacement to ensure a seamless transition. 5. **Emotionally Prepare – and Laugh**: Embrace the ride. Take care, laugh often, and remember, you're trading work deadlines for adorable baby giggles. 🍼😄 #MaternityLeave #HRBP #NewChapter #BabyBossLady #SixMonth #LongVacation #BabyGirl #GlobalHRBP #HRduties #professionalHR #HRtips