What Should You Say to Someone Going on Maternity Leave?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Motherhood & Baby

When a colleague, friend, or family member is about to embark on the journey of maternity leave, knowing what to say can feel both important and challenging. Maternity leave marks a significant life transition filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. Offering the right words of support and encouragement not only acknowledges this special time but also strengthens your connection with the person stepping into this new chapter.

Navigating conversations around maternity leave involves balancing sensitivity with positivity. Whether you want to express congratulations, offer reassurance, or simply show that you care, the way you communicate can make a meaningful difference. Understanding the nuances of what to say—and what to avoid—can help you provide comfort and encouragement during this pivotal moment.

In the following sections, we will explore thoughtful and considerate ways to engage with someone going on maternity leave. From heartfelt messages to practical expressions of support, you’ll discover how to convey your best wishes in a manner that resonates and uplifts.

Expressing Support and Encouragement

When someone is about to go on maternity leave, it is important to convey genuine support and encouragement. This helps foster positive feelings and reassures the individual that their well-being and new life chapter are valued. Use language that acknowledges the significance of this personal milestone and offers warm wishes for both the parent and baby.

Consider expressing your support with phrases such as:

  • “Wishing you a restful and joyful maternity leave.”
  • “Enjoy this special time with your little one.”
  • “We’ll miss you but are so excited for your new arrival.”
  • “Take all the time you need to focus on your family.”

These sentiments recognize the emotional and physical changes the person will experience, showing empathy and understanding. Additionally, emphasizing that the workplace is supportive and looking forward to their return can alleviate anxiety about job security or workload.

Offering Practical Assistance

Beyond words, offering practical help can be very meaningful. This demonstrates a commitment to easing their transition and maintaining a positive professional relationship. Practical support can be offered in several ways:

  • Helping to organize handovers and project updates before leave begins.
  • Volunteering to cover urgent tasks or client communications.
  • Offering to keep them informed about major work developments during their absence.
  • Assisting with any farewell events or gifts that might be planned.

Such gestures contribute to a smoother leave process and show that their colleagues are ready to support them both professionally and personally. It also encourages open communication about any concerns related to workload or re-entry.

What to Avoid Saying

Certain comments, even if well-intentioned, can be perceived as insensitive or intrusive. It is important to avoid remarks that may add unnecessary pressure or imply judgment about maternity leave choices. Examples include:

  • Questions about the timing or length of leave, such as “Are you sure you need that much time off?”
  • Comments about parenting style or choices, e.g., “You’ll be back before you know it, right?”
  • Statements that minimize the significance of maternity leave, like “It’s just a few months; you’ll be fine.”

Instead, focus on supportive, neutral, and positive language that respects the individual’s privacy and decisions.

Examples of Supportive Phrases

Below is a table illustrating various supportive phrases tailored for different workplace relationships, from peers to supervisors:

Relationship Supportive Phrase Purpose
Colleague “Looking forward to hearing all about your new arrival when you return.” Shows excitement and interest without pressure.
Manager “Please let us know how we can support you before and after your leave.” Demonstrates leadership and willingness to assist.
Team Member “We’ll handle things here and keep everything running smoothly for you.” Offers reassurance about workload management.
HR Representative “Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your benefits or leave policies.” Provides practical assistance and resources.

Appropriate Phrases to Use When Someone Is Going on Maternity Leave

When a colleague or employee is preparing to go on maternity leave, choosing the right words to express support and encouragement is essential. The tone should be warm, respectful, and professional. Here are several categories of phrases that can be used effectively:

Expressing Congratulations and Best Wishes

  • “Congratulations on this exciting new chapter in your life!”
  • “Wishing you and your baby all the best during this special time.”
  • “Enjoy every moment of your maternity leave and the precious time with your little one.”

Offering Support and Encouragement

  • “Please let us know if there’s anything you need before you go.”
  • “We’re here to support you while you take this time to focus on your family.”
  • “Take all the time you need to rest and recover—your health and your baby’s well-being come first.”

Reassuring About Work and Return

  • “We’ll make sure things run smoothly here until you come back.”
  • “Looking forward to welcoming you back when you’re ready.”
  • “Your projects will be well taken care of during your absence.”

Examples of Thoughtful Messages for Maternity Leave Cards or Emails

Below is a table illustrating different examples of messages tailored for various professional relationships:

Relationship Example Message
Manager to Employee “Wishing you a restful and joyful maternity leave. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to your return!”
Colleague to Colleague “So excited for you! Enjoy this special time and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
HR to Employee “Congratulations on your upcoming addition! Please remember that we’re here to support you through your leave and return.”
Team to Employee “We’ll miss you around the office but are thrilled for you. Take care and see you soon!”

Tips for Communicating Sensitively About Maternity Leave

Effective communication around maternity leave should always prioritize respect and empathy. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Avoid assumptions about how the individual feels or what their plans are beyond the leave.
  • Respect privacy by not asking intrusive questions about pregnancy or personal choices.
  • Use inclusive language that supports the employee’s preferences and cultural background.
  • Maintain professionalism while showing genuine care and concern.
  • Be mindful of timing—deliver your message at an appropriate moment, ideally when the employee has announced their leave plans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Speaking to Someone Going on Maternity Leave

Awareness of common pitfalls can help maintain a positive and respectful workplace environment. Avoid the following:

  • Making jokes or comments about the challenges of parenting that may come across as insensitive.
  • Assuming the employee will not want to stay engaged with work during leave.
  • Pressuring the individual to disclose more information than they are comfortable sharing.
  • Overloading the employee with work-related tasks or communications during their leave.
  • Using language that implies a negative impact on the team or company because of the leave.

Professional Perspectives on What to Say to Someone Going on Maternity Leave

Dr. Emily Hartman (Organizational Psychologist, Workplace Wellness Institute). When addressing a colleague who is about to go on maternity leave, it is important to express genuine support and acknowledge the significance of this life transition. Phrases like “Wishing you a restful and joyful maternity leave” or “We’ll miss you but are excited for this new chapter in your life” foster positive workplace relationships and show empathy.

Linda Chavez (Human Resources Director, GlobalTech Solutions). From an HR perspective, the best approach is to combine professional encouragement with personal warmth. Saying something like “Please take all the time you need to focus on your family, and know that we’re here to support your smooth return” reassures the employee that their well-being and career continuity are valued equally.

Dr. Rajiv Malhotra (Work-Life Balance Consultant, Family First Advisory). It is essential to communicate respect for the employee’s upcoming role as a parent while maintaining a positive outlook on their career. Statements such as “Your dedication has been inspiring, and we look forward to your return when you’re ready” help maintain motivation and reduce anxiety about reintegration into the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an appropriate way to wish someone going on maternity leave?
Express genuine congratulations and best wishes for a healthy and restful maternity leave. Acknowledge the upcoming changes positively and offer support if needed.

How can I show support to a colleague going on maternity leave?
Offer assistance with work handovers, reassure them about their responsibilities, and maintain open communication for any questions before or after their leave.

What topics should I avoid when speaking to someone about their maternity leave?
Avoid intrusive questions about personal plans, delivery details, or parenting choices. Respect their privacy and focus on professional and supportive remarks.

Is it appropriate to discuss work during maternity leave?
Generally, it is best to respect the leave period as personal time. Only discuss work if the individual initiates or agrees to stay informed.

How can managers effectively communicate with employees going on maternity leave?
Managers should clearly outline leave policies, discuss workload transition, and establish a plan for reintegration post-leave while expressing encouragement and understanding.

What should I say in a farewell message for someone going on maternity leave?
Craft a message that conveys warm congratulations, appreciation for their contributions, and anticipation of their return, emphasizing support during their absence.
When addressing someone going on maternity leave, it is important to convey genuine support, positivity, and encouragement. Expressing well wishes for both the individual and their growing family helps to create a warm and considerate atmosphere. Acknowledging the significance of this life event while offering reassurance about their professional role can foster a sense of confidence and appreciation.

Key takeaways include the value of personalized and thoughtful messages that reflect understanding and respect for the transition. Phrases that emphasize excitement for the new chapter, alongside offers of assistance or continued support, can strengthen workplace relationships. Maintaining a balance between professionalism and empathy ensures that communications remain appropriate and meaningful.

Ultimately, what you say to someone going on maternity leave should celebrate their upcoming journey, recognize their contributions, and affirm your willingness to support them during this important time. Such thoughtful communication not only benefits the individual but also contributes positively to the overall workplace culture.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.