Hellobee Boards

I sent one group email to work and then went offline for 2 months. They knew how long I was planning on being out so I knew we were OK. I might send out a mass email giving an update on where you stand now and let them know you'll be in touch once things calm down.

I emailed my favorite coworkers about 1-2 times a month and I went in once for a company BBQ.

I checked work email several times a week to keep my inbox clear and to make sure there were no fires to put out. In the last few weeks of leave, I started working a few hours every couple days to get back on track (and I was able to take that time later, after my mat ended).

@septemberlove: our HR person went over a policy re: keeping in contact with my direct supervisor on a (i think) weekly basis to basically make sure that I was coming back etc. My boss is super cool so i just emailed her very occasional with baby pics. There was no question about my returning and she was aware of that. i did absolutely nothing work-related other than that until i returned.

given your LO's early arrival and NICU stay, you may just want to send an email to your boss asking him/her to share it with whoever they felt was appropriate. you could just say that LO arrived safely and you are doing well and focusing on getting to know her etc. i would only include the NICU part if you are comfortable. I am sure people are trying to be nice and they would be understanding of your need for time/privacy. Plus if you send a picture that might hold everyone off for a while!

Good luck!

It's actually illegal for me to check AnY work email while on a leave of absence. My company totally forbids it! So I sent an announcement email from my personal email, had a handful of interactions with coworkers (mostly congrats, me saying thanks, etc) and that's it!

unfortunately, i did almost every day. my email inbox would fill up otherwise! i still managed to enjoy my mat leave, but i have the kind of job where just because i'm gone the work doesn't stop.