📋 Free checklist

Return to Work Checklist

Everything to organise before heading back to work after parental leave — childcare, tax, super, flexible work, and your first week back.

👶 Return to work calculator

📅3 months before returning6 tasks

Confirm your return to work date with your employer in writingCheck your right to return to the same (or equivalent) role under the Fair Work ActSubmit a formal flexible working arrangement request if needed (right applies after 12 months of employment)Confirm your childcare start date — ensure it's a week or two before your return date for a settling-in periodApply for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) if not already done — via myGovCheck whether your employer offers a Keep in Touch (KIT) program — attending can ease the transition

🔑6 weeks before returning6 tasks

Confirm childcare arrangements are locked in — orientation visits bookedCalculate your net income after childcare using the Return to Work CalculatorCheck whether your role or team has changed and discuss with HRReview your salary — if you haven't had a review in 12+ months, request oneUpdate your professional profiles (LinkedIn, etc.) if relevantArrange any clothing or equipment you'll need for your first day back

📋2 weeks before returning6 tasks

Update your tax withholding if your income has changed (via myGov or new TFN declaration with employer)Notify Centrelink/Services Australia of your return to work date — affects parental leave paymentsCheck your super fund — confirm contributions will resume and update insurance if neededComplete childcare orientation sessions with your childOrganise your morning routine — trial run the commute + dropoff timingDiscuss expectations with your partner for the first few weeks (household duties, sick days, etc.)

💼Week of returning5 tasks

Check your work email and calendar before day one if possible — know what you're walking intoReconnect with key colleagues before your first day (a quick message goes a long way)Bring extra breast milk / formula supplies if neededGive yourself grace — the first week is always harder than the first monthNote your childcare centre's sick child policy — you'll need a backup plan

✅After returning — ongoing6 tasks

Lodge your tax return and ensure HECS, super, and income are all correctReview CCS regularly — update estimated income in myGov if it changesReview your super — consider whether contributions are back to where you want themReassess your financial position 3 months in — childcare costs and income often differ from projectionsReview your flexible working arrangement at the agreed time — renegotiate if neededCheck Family Tax Benefit eligibility and update if your situation has changed

Related tools & guides

👶Return to Work Calculator 💰How the CCS Works 💵Salary After Tax Calculator