Women Returners Perspective – Challenge, Change and Perceptions
Daniela* is currently on maternity leave with her second child. She has a daily commute of at least 1.5 hours each way and works in an administrative role. After her first child she returned to work 4 days a week. Planning to return to work at the end of her maternity leave, Daniela hopes to work 1 day a week from home and 3 in the office.
For her, there are two sides to the situation. Returning to work is currently important to Daniela; she needs the stimulation and wants to feel she is making a contribution. Despite having a line manager who was positive in supporting her initial flexible working arrangements, when Daniela returned to work after her first child, she didn’t feel as “important” as when she was working full-time. How she will be perceived in terms of her performance and the effect this will have on her bonus give her cause for concern. She doesn’t believe that the long hours culture in the UK is geared towards the needs of working parents.
When Daniela returns to work after her second child, she will face new challenges, a new line manager and a need to feel secure in her job. It is uncertain whether approval will be given to continue her flexible working arrangements, enabling her to balance her work and family responsibilities.
* Name has been changed
MORE CASE STUDIES
Women Returners Case Study – Coaching Programme Retains Senior Manager
Evelyn* returned to her demanding senior management role after having her first child at 40. Prior to having her daughter, she was a committed individual, dedicated to her colleagues and team and worked long hours to manage her workload and achieve the high standards she strived for. She was well respected within the organisation and perceived as a rising star…… More
Women Returners Perspective – Taking the decision to return to work
Janice* is on additional maternity leave with her second daughter. At the time of writing this she was undecided as to whether she would return into her middle management role. Going back to work after her first child was relatively easy for Janice. She was quickly able to establish a pre-work routine and her daughter was happy at nursery. The difficult part was changing her hours so that she could get back from work in time to pick up her child…… More .
