Returning to work after parental leave can be both exciting and challenging. For new fathers like Dan Hewitt, our Client Lead at Ocado, it involves balancing professional growth with family commitments. Dan recently shared his journey on an external podcast (Comeback Coach Podcast with Jessica Chivers), discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning back to work, and how Know You More’s coaching supported him in making meaningful decisions, setting goals, and redefining his path.

A Father’s Transition Back to Work

After paternity leave, Dan returned to Ocado ready to embrace his role as both a leader and a father. Yet, he found himself at a professional crossroads. Dan’s previous team had been integrated into Ocado’s central team, and he was presented with two potential roles moving forward. Amid the shifts in both his career and personal life, he considered “sitting back” in his career to focus more on family.

Through coaching with Know You More, Dan found a supportive space to explore these options and clarify what he truly wanted. His coach, Gordon, helped him examine his motivations and aspirations, guiding him to see that “sitting back” wasn’t genuinely aligned with his professional ambitions. Instead, coaching allowed him to reconnect with his goals and move forward with confidence and purpose. With Gordon’s support, Dan navigated the practical aspects of embracing his chosen role, equipping him with strategies to lead effectively while honoring his commitments as a new father.

November and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Dan’s journey is a reminder of the mental health challenges men often face when balancing work and family, a topic highlighted by Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in November. Returning to work as a new father can bring added pressures, stress, and self-doubt, which are often compounded by expectations that men should “keep it together.”

Dan’s story shows how valuable workplace support can be for mental health, particularly when men are going through major life transitions. Coaching provided him with a space to talk openly about these shifts and the emotional journey of balancing fatherhood with career goals. For many fathers, support in the workplace is crucial for a healthier, more balanced return to work.

Support for Fathers Returning to Work

Support for fathers returning to work is an area seeing positive growth, with more companies recognizing the importance of parental resources for everyone. Here are some key types of support that benefit new fathers:

  • Flexible Work Options: Flexible hours or hybrid work models can be essential for balancing work and family. Companies offering part-time transitions or remote work options allow new fathers to manage both roles more effectively.
  • Parental Coaching Programs: Coaching, like Dan’s experience with Know You More, offers tailored support for navigating career decisions, clarifying goals, and embracing new roles. Coaching provides returning fathers with a dedicated space to manage their transitions and align work with family priorities.
  • Paid Paternity Leave and Phased Returns: Increasingly, companies are providing extended paid paternity leave, allowing fathers to bond with their newborns and gradually re-enter work. A phased approach helps parents ease into routines, reducing stress and supporting mental well-being.
  • Supportive Culture and Resources: Fostering a culture that supports all parents can have a lasting impact. Many companies are now building inclusive workplaces with peer groups, mentoring opportunities, and clear policies that address the needs of fathers. These resources help create a supportive environment where men feel valued and included.

Ocado’s partnership with Know You More reflects the company’s commitment to supporting all parents in the workplace. With resources like coaching, organizations help returning fathers, like Dan, feel empowered to thrive at work and at home.

The Role of Coaching in Re-Establishing Direction and Confidence

For Dan, coaching provided clarity at a crucial moment in his career. Faced with new choices and the question of whether to step back or lean in, coaching helped him explore his genuine aspirations and decide on the path that best aligned with his values. Gordon, his coach, guided him through practical strategies for moving forward, from goal-setting to creating a clear action plan. Coaching empowered Dan to embrace his decision fully, allowing him to return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and drive.

This focus on making intentional decisions also helped Dan feel more present in both his roles. Rather than letting circumstances guide his choices, he was now equipped with a roadmap, helping him feel in control and empowered in his dual roles as a father and a professional.

Redefining Impact in His Career

One of the central themes Dan explored in coaching was the concept of “impact.” Returning to work with added family responsibilities led him to question what true contribution looked like in his role. Coaching helped him redefine “impact” on his terms. Rather than simply “meeting expectations,” Dan realized that meaningful contribution was about alignment with his values and long-term aspirations.

Gordon encouraged him to think deeply about his professional purpose and identify areas where he could create lasting value. This renewed clarity helped him approach his work with intention and confidence, focusing on impact that resonated with his new perspective as a father. Dan’s coaching journey empowered him to embrace both his role at Ocado and his role at home, making him feel fulfilled in both areas.

Key Takeaways for New Parents Returning to Work

Dan’s story offers valuable insights for other parents navigating similar transitions:

  1. Use Coaching as a Space for Decision-Making: Coaching helped Dan examine his career options and make decisions aligned with his values. For other returning parents, coaching offers a space to reflect and clarify next steps.
  2. Set Meaningful, Intentional Goals: Setting intentional goals that balance work and family gives returning parents a sense of control. For Dan, goal-setting allowed him to align his time and energy with what truly mattered to him.
  3. Redefine Impact in New Terms: Coaching helped Dan reframe “impact” in a way that resonated with his current priorities. This can be especially valuable for returning parents whose professional values may evolve post-parenthood.
  4. Be Present in Both Roles: Coaching encouraged Dan to make purposeful choices about where to focus his energy. This approach helped him feel fully present and satisfied in each role.

Conclusion

Dan’s story highlights the power of coaching for new fathers, especially in the context of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Through coaching, he gained clarity, made intentional career decisions, and redefined his approach to impact. His journey underscores the value of structured support in helping returning fathers make purposeful, confident transitions back to work.

For companies like Ocado that partner with Know You More, supporting returning fathers not only strengthens individual well-being but creates a culture of inclusivity and empowerment for all parents. Through coaching, Dan found a sustainable path that honors both his work and family—a balance that’s essential for lasting fulfillment and professional success.