Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the most emotionally complex transitions a woman can experience. There’s the excitement of getting back to your professional identity, but also guilt, anxiety, and the nagging fear: Will I still be seen as valuable? Will I be expected to “make up” for the time I was gone?

I was grappling with all of these emotions when I returned to Sandhata after my maternity break. But what happened next changed the way I looked at work, leadership, and inclusion forever.

Maternity Support that Supports

From the moment I informed my manager about my pregnancy, I felt nothing but support. Sandhata allowed me to shift to a complete work-from-home model. There was no back-and-forth, no persuasion needed. Just empathy and trust.

Even our clients, who often have demanding delivery schedules, were flexible and understanding. I was allowed to take time off for medical appointments without hassle. My workload was adjusted to ensure I could manage both work and personal well-being. The freedom to take leave when I needed it gave me the breathing space to take care of myself without sacrificing my professional identity.

And then there were the small things that left a lasting impact. Thoughtful baby gift hampers. Festival gifts were delivered to my home even while I was on leave. These gestures may seem minor, but amid early motherhood chaos, they reminded me that I still belonged. That I still mattered.

Returning to Work: No Pressure, Just Clarity

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the most emotionally complex transitions a woman can experience. There’s the excitement of getting back to your professional identity, but also guilt, anxiety, and the nagging fear: Will I still be seen as valuable? Will I be expected to “make up” for the time I was gone?

I was grappling with all of these emotions when I returned to Sandhata after my maternity break. But what happened next changed the way I looked at work, leadership, and inclusion forever.

It wasn’t just about resuming tasks. It was about rebuilding confidence, reclaiming rhythm, and realigning life around a new reality. For me, that meant figuring out how to bring my whole self to work, including my identity as a mother, without feeling like I had to apologise for it.

A Culture Built on Trust and Flexibility

From the moment I informed my manager about my pregnancy, I felt nothing but support. Sandhata allowed me to shift to a complete work-from-home model. There was no back-and-forth, no persuasion needed. Just empathy and trust.

Even our clients, who often have demanding delivery schedules, were flexible and understanding. I was allowed to take time off for medical appointments without hassle. My workload was adjusted to ensure I could manage both work and personal well-being. The freedom to take leave when I needed it gave me the breathing space to take care of myself without sacrificing my professional identity.

And then there were the small things that left a lasting impact. Thoughtful baby gift hampers. Festival gifts were delivered to my home even while I was on leave. These gestures may seem minor, but amid early motherhood chaos, they reminded me that I still belonged. That I still mattered.

This support didn’t feel procedural. It felt personal. I wasn’t reduced to a policy or a case number. I was treated as someone going through an important life transition, and the entire system was built to hold that experience with care.

More Than Just a Team: A Community

What truly amazed me was how Sandhata builds community. It’s not just about internal team bonding. It’s about collective identity. When our new office was inaugurated, flights were booked for employees across different locations, because being part of milestones matters. Every employee’s presence is valued.

Then there’s WOS: Women of Sandhata. This isn’t just a forum. It’s a movement. It’s where we share experiences, mentor each other, and raise our hands when something needs to change. Whether it’s maternity, leadership, or learning a new technology, WOS is a support system in action.

The feeling of being part of a larger network matters. It gives you a sense of safety, belonging, and a mirror through which to see your growth. I’ve received guidance on how to navigate career transitions, peer mentoring from women across regions, and even referrals for learning resources and tools.

Innovation Without Hierarchy

As a developer, one of the things I love most is that innovation is not limited to titles here. If you have an idea—whether it’s a technical improvement or a new way of doing things, you’re encouraged to share it. You don’t need to “earn” your voice through hierarchy. Your contribution is respected because of its merit, not your designation.

This spirit of openness has given me the confidence to take risks, speak up, and think bigger. It’s made me a better technologist and a bolder problem solver.

Redefining Career After Motherhood

Returning to work after maternity leave should not feel like starting over. At Sandhata, it doesn’t. It feels like a continuation—a new chapter built on the same foundation of trust and growth.

I wasn’t punished for taking time off. I wasn’t made to feel like I had to choose between being a good mother and a great developer. I was simply allowed to be both. That’s the power of a truly inclusive workplace.

There is also the unspoken emotional safety that matters. I could talk to other parents on the team and ask for tips, share concerns, or laugh over shared chaos. There’s a cultural ease around parenting that makes it okay to be honest about your capacity. And that honesty is respected.

If you’re looking for a company that respects your journey, understands real-life challenges, and gives you space to succeed, take a closer look at Sandhata. This is a place where people matter. Where growth is human. And where returning after maternity can actually be the best career move you ever make.

Cheers,

Divya Elangovan, Technology Expert, Sandhata Technologies Private Limited.

Divya Elangovan.

 

Learn More

Interested in building your career with Sandhata?

Visit our careers page: Sandhata Technologies Careers

Explore our Women of Sandhata initiative: WOS

Whether you’re returning after a break, switching domains, or just looking for a workplace that values trust and innovation, this is where you’ll find your next chapter.

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balakarthiga muruganantham

Balakarthiga is a seasoned Product Marketer with six years of experience. With a passion for crafting compelling narratives, she navigates the intricate world of SaaS & DevOps marketing with creativity and precision.