New parents find having adult conversations and a change in scenery are best things about returning to work

A study of 750 mums and dads who have recently returned from parental leave found a change of scenery and having more structure to the day are other unexpected pleasures they enjoy after going back to work post-baby.

It also emerged new mums and dads love the variety of resuming their careers (12 per cent), and the chance to get dressed up (nine per cent).

Seven in 10 (69 per cent) admit going to work offers them a welcome break from home life, but almost half (49 per cent) can’t wait to be reunited with their children at the end of the day.

As many as 80 per cent enjoy spending time with colleagues, while 72 per cent think going back to work has made them appreciate the time they do spend with their children even more.

Gill Jones, group chief quality officer at Busy Bees, which commissioned the research, said: “Returning to work after having a child is a big step for all mums and dads, whether you’re eager to resume your career or have made the decision for other, more functional reasons.  

“But this research highlights that the return to work can bring pleasure in lots of small – and unexpected – ways. We love our children, but we also love uninterrupted toilet breaks and not having to microwave our coffee.

“Our focus is to support parents to make the most of those moments, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are in good hands.”

Work can bring pleasure in lots of small - and unexpected - ways

The research also revealed there is lots that childcare providers can do to ease any concerns new parents may have about settling their child into a nursery or childminder.

It found 46 per cent of parents said regular updates on their child’s progress during the day provided reassurance while at work, as well as receiving photos (36 per cent) and clear communication with their childcare provider (37 per cent).

More than eight in 10 (82 per cent) parents who use a nursery also feel it positively benefits their child. Among the ways they do so are developing social skills (50 per cent), building confidence (33 per cent), and encouraging them to try new activities (23 per cent).

Flexibility from employers is also important for working parents, as the study also found the majority (82 per cent) of returning parents wouldn’t work somewhere that didn’t offer flexibility around their children or childcare.

Conducted via OnePoll, the research found the most valued support offered by employers includes emotional understanding from managers (23 per cent).

Also on the list was paid time off for child sickness (27 per cent) and the ability to work from home last-minute when required (22 per cent).

Busy Bees' Gill Jones, which has released a guide for preparing families for life as they return to work after maternity or paternity leave, added: “Parents – and their children – deserve support from their employers and childcare providers to ensure the transition is a positive experience for everyone.

“We understand how important it is for families to strike a balance between spending quality time together and developing their careers.

“Having the reassurance of professional early years experts, along with regular updates on their little ones’ wellbeing, allows parents to focus on their professional lives safe in the knowledge they’re doing the best for their child and themselves.”

Top 10 things working parents enjoy about returning to work

1. Adult conversations

2. A change of scenery

3. Engaging their brain in professional tasks

4. Having more structure to the day

5. Feeling more like themselves again

6. Enjoying a cup of tea or coffee while it’s still hot

7. Having more variety to their day

8. Not having to look at an untidy house

9. Going to the toilet in peace

10. Getting dressed up