Flexible Working

When my maternity leave came to an end, I went back to work full time. Within that first week back at work I knew that I wasn’t ready to be back in full time employment, and I began to consider the options available to me.

Within those first few weeks I had put myself forward for flexible working, I wanted to reduce my 5 day week down to a 3 day week. I felt that by the time I had finished work I had missed out on an entire day with my little boy. I felt that he was growing up and I was missing out on those crucial milestones. I was missing breakfast with him as he was still in bed, I was getting home in the evening and seeing him for a short time before he again went to bed. It didn’t seem right that I should be at work more than I was at home caring for Leo.

I put the ball in motion and my first point of call was HR, from there I was advised as to what I would need to do in order to request a change to my contract. I was nervous at the thought of making such a big change but I knew that in order for me to find that right balance between work and play, this was something that I needed to do.

I knew that the company had to seriously consider my request, and that unless there was a vital reason that would affect the way the business functioned, I would most likely be granted my flexible working hours. The decision ultimately had to come from the Operations Director, and I was called into a meeting to discuss my request. He took a few weeks to make his decision and I was then given the good news. My request had been accepted.

Since 2003 parents have been allowed to request flexible working from their employers on the basis that certain conditions are met. In 2007 this was then extended to anyone with caring duties (as defined by the Department for Business, innovation and Skills), and now as of the 30^th of June, this right will be available to all employees.

While employers are under no obligation to grant each and every request they may receive, it is reassuring to know that the option is there for people who may need it. As in my personal experience, the company will take time to consider the request and see how this change may impact the business. Sometimes the changes being requested would have a negative impact on the company, and of course this is something that needs to be taken into consideration.

You can find out more information on the new flexible working at Peninsula.

2 years later I am still with the same company, and working my 3 day week. I was so pleased with the work to play ratio that I now have and feel like I get the best of both worlds.

Disclaimer: This is a featured post

Calling all Stay at Home Mummy's & Daddy's

Dear all stay at home Mum’s & Dad’s,

The further I get into my maternity leave, the more I realise how much I am dreading going back to work, and the harder I know it will be leaving Leo 5 days a week from 8:30 in the morning...until 5pm at night.

I am taking advantage of every moment I get to spend with Leo...we are going to baby groups on a weekly basis and we have just enrolled in a baby massage and yoga course! We socialise with other Mummy’s with baby’s around the same age and we also have days where it is just the two of us...enjoying each other’s company.

I saved my holiday entitlement up last year to bump up my maternity pay, and worked right up until the very end of my pregnancy....I have been into my place of work this week, and under new rules that have been introduced...I can no longer be on leave and obtain my holiday, it turns out now....you have to be on one or the other.

This actually works out better for me, as I was originally having to go back to work in March/April....but I can now see myself being able to stay off until May/June! This is all because once my maternity pay stops....I can bank in all my holiday! It is a blessing in disguise...

This means I can now afford to stay at home, make sure all my bills are covered and also see Leo crawl...walk...see him turn 1 year old on June 27th 2012 and carry on all of our many adventures together. Who knows I may even hear his first words! The thought of missing these crucial moments in his life, shake me to the core. How can I even consider going back to work and missing these specialmoments in my baby’s development?

This is why I have addressed this post to all Stay at Home Mummy’s and Daddy’s, because I have a few questions that I would like a few varied opinions on.

How and when did you make your decision to not return to the world of work?

How did your other half react?

Do you enjoy your role as Stay at Home Parent?

How do you cover the monthly outgoing bills?

What are your thoughts on women that do return to work?

Do you have any advice, for women or men who would like to take on the role as a stay at home parent?

I would love to hear from all walks of life so I can get many as many varied opinions as possible. Please pass this post around to all stay at home parents so we can get a good insight into how they made their decisions, and maybe help a few parents like me, who want the best of both worlds.

Laura and Leo xx