Mother & Baby Oct 19

work it out
Words Louisa Pritchard photography getty images
flex it
Want to have
flexible working?
Follow our expert advice on
how to ask… and how to get!
When you’re juggling a
baby, work, and well, just
about everything, a little
give and take can make
all the difference. So
whether you’re on mat
leave and thinking about (gulp!) returning to
work, or you’ve returned and are finding your
old hours aren’t working with your new life,
it might be time to apply for flexible work.
According to the 2019 Modern Families
Index, 49 per cent of parents work flexibly.
‘Companies are starting to realise the benefits
of flexible work,’ says Anna Ives, who runs
a helpline on flexible working ‘We live in
a 24/7 world, so why can’t we have different
working patterns? Companies are keen to
get mums back into work, not least because
they’ve got someone who knows the job. It’s
much more beneficial for them for you to
return to your job. And by preparing thoroughly
before applying for a new working pattern,
you’ll have a much better chance of success.’
That doesn’t mean you need to spend your
whole maternity leave worrying about work
– give yourself a break to enjoy your new life
as a mama and get to know your bub. ‘Enjoy
the first six months of your mat leave, and
only then start to think about going back,’
says Anna. ‘Start any talks with your employer
at least three or four months before returning.’
Legally, you’re eligible to apply for flexible
work if you’ve worked in your job for 26
consecutive weeks – you just need Anna’s
top tips on making that request a success!
Fake it ’til you make it
After a few months at home with your baby, it
can be tricky to switch your brain back into
work mode. But try to get yourself into the right
frame of mind before starting any conversations
with your boss. Remember, your return to
work benefits your employer just as much as
you – you’ve already got the necessary skills
and experience, and are a valued part of the
team, and your employers would much rather
save themselves the money and hassle of
recruiting and training up a replacement.
‘You’ve worked your way up into your
position, so keep in the front of your mind that
you’re an asset to your company. Be confident
in any conversations with your boss and remind
them that you’re committed to your role,’ says
Anna. Mum-of-one Rhiannon Clapperton, 30,
went back on flexi hours and says: ‘Approach
the flexible-working request positively – rather
than thinking you have to persuade your
employer to make changes to accommodate
you, think about what your return delivers for
them, and everything you bring to the job.’
Work out what you want
Before getting in touch with your employer to
discuss your return, think about what you’d
like your hours to be. ‘There are so many
different types – part-time, condensed hours,
home working. I work two days a week and
across three evenings,’ says Anna. ‘Drill down
to what fits best around your childcare. Once
the decision is made you can’t make another
application for 12 months, so think about
what it’s going to look like for the next year.’
Key things to bear in mind are money and
childcare. ‘Talk to your partner, family and
childcare provider so you know what cover
you can get. Do your budget planning to work
out if you can really afford to go back for
three days a week, for example.’ A good place
to start is thesalarycalculator.co.uk – enter
your earnings to work out your weekly and
monthly take-home pay.
Ace your informal meeting
Once you know what you want, get in touch
with your line manager. ‘If you can do your
flexible-working request informally it’s so
MEET THE
EXPERT
Anna Ives is the
founder of HR
Puzzle, runs a
helpline on flexible
working, and is
a mum-of-two
94 | October 2019 | motherandbaby.co.uk