According to current surveys, around three quarters of parents who are on parental leave want to re-enter professional life immediately after their break. However, organizing working hours, childcare, and a potential decline in qualifications are some of the problems that need to be solved in advance. Family and career – since these two terms should ideally not be a contradiction, you can read about the most important steps to consider below.
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Protection against dismissal for the duration of parental leave
Until the child's 2nd birthday, the person who is on parental leave is protected against dismissal. Furthermore, after the parental leave has expired, the employee has the right to return to work under the same working conditions as before.
Parental part-time work
Until the child reaches the age of 7, parents have the right to parental part-time employment. It should be noted, however, that the employment relationship must have lasted for at least 3 years. In addition, at least 20 people must be employed at the workplace. The desired start, duration, extent, etc., must be proposed in writing 3 months before the expected re-enter. At the end of parental part-time work, the mother/father has the right to return to the working hours that were set before the part-time employment.
Special regulations for civil servants
You can start parental part-time work without the aforementioned requirements. The employment relationship does not have to have lasted 3 years, and the rule that at least 20 people must be employed is also void. Furthermore: During the time you receive childcare allowance, it is possible to reduce working hours as desired. Afterwards, working hours can be reduced to a maximum of 50 percent of full-time employment.
Marginal employment during parental leave
It should be noted that there is no legal entitlement to be employed marginally by your employer during parental leave. If the respective employer grants this wish of the parent, a separate employment contract must be drawn up; you will still receive the childcare allowance.
For a maximum of 13 weeks per year, you can also take up employment that exceeds the marginal earnings threshold.
Stay in touch even before re-entering
Keep yourself informed about important events in the company during your parental leave. Subscribe to an employee or company newsletter, etc. This increases job security and keeps you up to date on restructuring, problems, and similar matters.
Additional income limit
The Re-entry after the parental leave does not necessarily mean that you have to forgo the childcare allowance – however, the additional income must not exceed 14,600 euros per calendar year.
Holiday entitlement and special payments after re-entry
From the re-enter until the end of the holiday year, you have a pro-rata holiday entitlement. Holiday and Christmas bonuses are also paid out proportionally.
In any case, you should also consider these tips: Be clear about whether your qualifications still meet the employer's expectations. Do you need further training, for example? Think about your wishes and expectations in good time and contact the relevant people as early as possible. Then nothing will stand in the way of a successful re-entry after the parental leave.
