I wish I checked work email while I was gone. I work for a small/mid sized company and although I only took 7 weeks off post-baby, they tried to do my work while I was gone and did a poor job and I’m still cleaning up the mess 1.5 year later. I could have prevented some of the mess if they called me. I think this is a good compromise to the maternity leave problem- employers don’t want to give it because it can be a hassle and my experience is an example. I work a specific job. I’m going to take more time off (unpaid of course) after I have the next baby, but I’m going to have clear terms that I be called/emailed if they try to do my work and if they have questions/problems with my work to notify me.