Where parents want to work January 31, 2010

I’ve had an idea to start a log of places where parents want to work. Aurora and The Times started running a poll several years ago about where women want to work and I think something akin to this for parents would be great. There’s no doubt that our lifestage affects how we feel about work not least because of a possible change in priorities. Wouldn’t it be great to gather info together on the places parents say are really supportive of them doing a good job professionally and also recognising they have other aspects of life they want to work at and enjoy too (i.e. families and self development beyond ‘work’)

What do you think? Want to name any organisations – big or small – that are doing a good job? Ideas on where we can take this idea to give it legs? Anyone know anyone at The Guardian or The Independent? maybe The Times would take it on too?

Let’s think BIG. I’ve heard Google have a really cool attitude to kids in the office. Even have a creche. Anyone know anything?

PLEASE START POSTING!

Why Work? January 6, 2010

61% of mothers say they would work even if they didn’t have to for financial reasons (according to a study commissioned and published by the NCT and conducted by Aston Business School in 2009). Several of the mothers I’ve spoken to in writing Mothers Work say that the pay is almost the least important thing so long as it covers childcare and gives them a bit left over. I’m even working at the moment for essentially nothing on one parenting project I am delivering – getting my childcare paid for prep and coaching time but nothing above that. Why am I doing it? For the stimulation, to help other parents, for future career benefits for myself…

I’d love to know why you work. Please leave a post or drop me a line at mums@beyoubutbetter.co.uk saying if you would be happy to be quoted in the book. If you would rather be anonymous that’s cool too.

Research says Maternity Leave Harms Rising Careers December 3, 2009

Without worrying about being thought a cheap-skate for reading a newpaper over another passenger’s shoulder whilst flying back from Glasgow this weekend, I asked said reader if he wouldn’t mind letting me have the article in his Sunday Times headed “Extra maternity leave harms rising careers.” His smile either indicated he was slightly impressed I was writing a book about working mothers or just amused by the way I was trying to appease my daughter.

In short, the article reported on research comparing the percentage of women in managerial positions across five countries and their corresponding paid maternity leave. The UK has 39% women managers in its workforce (and 39 weeks paid maternity leave) whereas top of the table America has no paid maternity leave and has 42.7% women managers. I think we need to be careful about inferring correlations from research like this, although the comment by Magnus Henrekson (Head of Stockholm School of Economics) got me thinking: “Whe you have high levels of maternity leave, it pays for women to be in the labour market but not aim for a high-flying career. They are derailed from their objectives. The more generous you are, the fewer women you are likely to have at the top.”

I have come away wondering whether women really want longer maternity breaks or indeed to be ‘at the top’. ‘At the top’ might mean having an enjoyable balance between satisfying work and a satisfying home life. My suspicion is that what we really want  is good quality, affordable childcare and a smooth return to work when we do decide it’s time.

What do you think? What do you ideally want?

Do you eat lunch? November 24, 2009

When at home with little ones how many times did we moan about not having a moment’s peace to eat lunch, to savour the cheese sandwich we made and had been trying to eat for 45 minutes (but were constantly interrupted). Now that we’re back at work and have the opportunity to take a break, do you?

A consumer research poll by Spar found that 7 million workers in the UK don’t take a lunch break and 70% of the workforce don’t leave their desks.

Do you make time for a lunch? What difference does it make if you do? Why do you prioritise it?

 

Your thoughts as usual would be great…