Book recommendation: Sneyd, K. (2024). Returning Well: How to Make the Most of Your Parental Leave and Return to Work. Berlin: De Gruyter. ISBN: 978-3-11-161827-2.

Returning Well focuses on the often-overlooked transition back to work after parental leave. Whilst not written for academics, it is highly relevant to academic contexts where roles are complex, workloads are porous, and expectations are rarely reset automatically. For anyone taking parental leave, the book offers practical guidance on preparing for leave, managing identity shifts, and returning in a way that is sustainable rather than driven by guilt or unrealistic productivity expectations. For those managing or leading others, it provides a clear lens on what makes returns successful in practice, including pacing, expectation-setting, psychological safety, and the role of everyday managerial behaviours. Its strength lies in treating parental leave not as a disruption to be “managed around,” but as a normal career transition that benefits from thoughtful planning, compassionate leadership, and realistic reintegration.

“I learned that slowing down did not weaken my career trajectory. Contrary to my earlier worries, prioritising focus, recovery, and selectivity – particularly after maternity leave – did not reduce my academic impact. Instead, it strengthened the quality, coherence, and sustainability of my work. Letting go of constant availability and over-commitment proved to be a source of strategic strength, not risk.”

Jiao Ji, Lecturer in Finance, University of Sheffield. Read more from Jiao.