DiSC Assessment for Maternity Returners: A Tool for Confidence, Communication & Success

Returning to work after maternity leave is a significant transition, both professionally and personally. Many employees find themselves navigating a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and change, not just in their work but in their identity as a new parent.

Having coached hundreds of women as they return to work, I’ve seen that one tool that can make this transition smoother is the DiSC psychometric assessment. By helping employees understand their own behavioural tendencies, communication styles, and responses to change, DiSC can provide invaluable insight into why certain aspects of returning to work might feel easy, or unexpectedly difficult.

While the results of a DiSC assessment are personal, the self-awareness it brings has a ripple effect, helping employees advocate for what they need, communicate more effectively, and ultimately reintegrate into the workplace more smoothly.

Greater Self-Awareness for a Smoother Transition

Becoming a parent changes how we experience the world, including how we respond to stress, uncertainty, and shifting priorities. DiSC helps returning employees recognise these shifts in themselves, so they can approach their return with clarity and confidence.

For example:

• Someone with a high D (Dominance) score may feel frustrated by the unpredictability of early parenthood and struggle with the slower pace of reintegration at work. Understanding this can help them adjust expectations and find ways to balance structure with flexibility.

• A high S (Steadiness) employee may crave stability and find it difficult if their role or team dynamics have changed. Recognising this allows them to seek reassurance proactively rather than feeling unsettled.

• A high C (Compliance) individual might put pressure on themselves to perform at 100% immediately. DiSC can help them see the value in easing back in gradually without self-judgment.

  
  

When employees understand their natural tendencies, they are better equipped to navigate their return in a way that suits them—reducing stress and increasing confidence.

Improved Communication and Rebuilding Workplace Relationships

After time away, many returning employees feel they need to re-establish their place in the team. Whether it’s reconnecting with colleagues, setting boundaries, or having open discussions with their manager, DiSC provides a framework to help them communicate effectively.

By understanding their own communication style, they can approach conversations in a way that feels natural and productive:

• High D types are decisive and goal-oriented but may need to approach flexibility and workload discussions with openness and collaboration.

• High I types thrive on social interaction and may benefit from prioritising reconnection with colleagues to feel engaged.

• High S types value harmony and may need reassurance that asking for adjustments won’t disrupt team dynamics.

• High C types prefer structured, well-prepared discussions, so knowing this can help them approach return-to-work conversations with confidence.

  
  

This self-awareness doesn’t just benefit the individual—it makes interactions with colleagues and managers more effective, reducing friction and misunderstandings.

Reinforcing Strengths and Confidence at Work

Returning to work after maternity leave can sometimes feel like starting from scratch. Employees may question their abilities or feel disconnected from their professional identity. DiSC serves as a reminder of their natural strengths, helping them see the value they bring to the organisation.

For example:

• D types bring drive, decisiveness, and problem-solving.

• I types create a positive, collaborative team culture.

• S types provide stability, loyalty, and strong teamwork.

• C types ensure accuracy, structure, and high-quality work.

  
  

When employees reconnect with their strengths, they step back into work with greater confidence. And when an employee feels confident and valued, their engagement, productivity, and contribution to the team naturally increase.

The Bigger Picture: A Win for Both Employee and Organisation

While an individual’s DiSC assessment is personal to them, the insights they gain have a knock-on effect for their team and employer. A self-aware employee is more likely to:

✅ Communicate their needs clearly - reducing misalignment and frustration.

✅ Adapt to change more smoothly - helping them reintegrate faster.

✅ Play to their strengths - bringing their best self back to work.

By encouraging maternity returners to develop this level of self-awareness, organisations create a more engaged, confident, and resilient workforce - one where employees feel understood and supported.

How I Incorporate DiSC into Coaching Programmes

I offer DiSC as part of my maternity return coaching programmes, helping employees gain deeper self-awareness and confidence as they navigate their return to work. 

If you’d like to explore how this could support your organisation, book a call to chat through your requirements. 

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