Why Write a Goodbye Email?
The resignation letter after maternity leave is an official document that an employee sends to his immediate superior when he decides not to return to his former position because he decided to stay home or change his job. The employee must send a proper notice stating that they are leaving.
Respectful Closure
A resignation letter for during or after maternity leave is one of the best ways to notify the employer of your intentions. The employee often briefly states why he intends to resign from his current job. It also explains the reason for resignation and why new mothers do not want to return to their current job. The letter is also a sign of respect. You don’t just bring your resignation letter on the day you must return to work, but you give the employer notice of your intentions in advance. It is best to provide a week’s notice or sooner so your employer has enough time to look for a new employee. The optimum notice period is one month or more.
Make Your Intentions Clear
The letter should explain why you want to wait to start work in the first place. The reason should be apparent to ensure you do the right thing for yourself and your child. You could explain in the letter that full-time work is no longer suitable for you because you have a small child who requires a lot of time and attention.
Express Gratitude
A resignation letter is not just a way of telling your employer that you are leaving and why you are leaving; it is also a way of saying thank you to your employer for all the time you have worked for them. It is not a formal request but a polite gesture that your hiring manager would appreciate. Telling your employer you are leaving allows them to understand and support your decision.
Writing a Goodbye Email After Maternity Leave
Resignation letters should always be in an appropriate format. Suppose you want to send your employer a resignation letter after maternity. In that case, you should follow these guidelines when writing your resignation letter.
Personalise the Message
A letter after maternity leave should be personalised. Hence, the employer knows who the letter is from and to whom it is addressed. It is best to start with a formal greeting and emphasise the professional nature of the letter. Begin by stating the name of your line manager, hiring manager or employer. You should start the letter of resignation with the greeting ‘Dear Mr Charles’ to personalise it while still being professional.
Keep it Simple and to the Point
The letter after maternity leave should be informative without stretching the entire page. You should clearly state your last date of employment (when you intend to leave the post) so that your employer can prepare for this. If you want to help with the transition, you should ensure you can. Please only put a little thought into it. State your specific intentions and give precise dates so the employer can plan for your departure and start looking for another person to replace you. In addition, the dates of your departure will be used in the personnel records.
Showcase Your Accomplishments
The letter should include your job title and other professional achievements. It is a good idea to thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them and for the professional experience you have gained. In this way, you don’t just show your appreciation for the years of work, but you can also leave on a positive note. Consider mentioning key positive experiences, what valuable skills and abilities you acquired, and what achievements you have made in your professional role.
In addition, the reason for leaving is the focus of the resignation letter. There are several reasons why a professional may want to leave their current position while on maternity leave. You may have increased childcare costs which you would not be able to cover if you were to return to your previous position. You may also have a new baby, or you may feel that there is nothing you can do better than to give up your career and dedicate yourself fully to your children.
Include Your Contact Information
You should end the letter with your signature and your contact information. An email is the best solution since the maternity worker doesn’t show up at the office. When sending this email, it is worth ensuring that it has been received and that the employer has acted on it. Including your contact details in the letter is a good idea so the employer can contact you if necessary. It is especially important if you plan to help your employer during the transition period.
Letter Examples
Here is a pre-drafted example to make writing a resignation letter after maternity easier for you.
Dear Ms Green,
I am informing you of my decision to resign my post effective October 1, 2023. After becoming a mother, I have decided not to return to my finance director position after my maternity leave ends.
I decided to stay at home with my baby and not return to work duties shortly. During my more than 5 years with ABC company, I had the pleasure of meeting and networking with many professionals in the industry. Working in your company has helped me develop in my chosen field and become a true professional, advancing to the department manager position. I have gained many practical professional skills.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help ABC company during this time of transition. I would be happy to help facilitate this time. You can contact me at the contact number listed via email. I can also come into the office to provide any assistance you need and pass the business on to another staff member.
Yours sincerely.
Resignation letter template after maternity leave
Subject: Notice of Resignation
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
As you know, my maternity leave has come to an end. After careful consideration, I have made the decision to resign from my position as [Job Title]. I am grateful for the support and opportunities provided during my time at [Company Name].
My maternity leave has allowed me to reflect on my priorities, and I have decided to focus on my family at this stage of my life. I appreciate the understanding and flexibility you and the team have shown during this period.
I understand that my contractual notice period is [as per contract], and I am more than willing to assist in the transition. Please let me know how I can best contribute during this time.
I appreciate your understanding, and I look forward to maintaining the connections I’ve made at [Company Name].Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position]
Maternity Leave Goodbye Email to Colleagues
Subject: A Fond Farewell
Dear [Team/Colleague’s Name],
As my time away for maternity leave is finishing, I’m feeling a mix of emotions as I say goodbye to the fantastic team at [Company Name].
I want to thank you for being so supportive and kind during my maternity leave. Your encouragement means a lot as I start this new chapter as a parent. While I’m sad to leave such a great team, I’m excited for the adventures ahead at home. I’ll always cherish our teamwork and hope we can stay in touch. Please keep in touch, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Warm regards,[Your Full Name]
[Your Position]
