An estate agent has recently been awarded a considerable amount of money, after her boss refused to let her work reduced hours after she returned to work after having a baby.
She wanted reduced hours because she needed to get to her child’s nursery before it closed.
My thoughts are that maybe using a registered child minder might have been a better option, as most are more flexible in the hours they work than a nursery.
I used to work for the Inland revenue before I had my children, We worked flexi-hours, which suited many parents, but as I never returned after having children I didn’t take advantage of it.
After having my third and last baby I registered as a child minder which meant that I could earn some much needed money, while still taking care of my own children, more here
I understand that employers have businesses to run in order to make money, but they should also look after their employees in return ; as many new parents have no choice in whether they return to work or not after having a baby, should bosses be more lenient by offering reduced hours?
Please share any thoughts and experiences with me.
As always questions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
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The US is notorious for treating parents like pariahs. We have little maternity leave if any, and no paternity leave. Businesses expect that they are the number one in everyone’s lives and that parents are alone responsible for childcare. I would settle for paid leave for all parents for longer than two weeks after delivery. We can address things like reduced hours or flexi-hours after we get leave.
wasn’t. wasn’t aware of that, thanks for enlightening me, Kendra
It is pretty frustrating! #KCACOLS
Absolutely, Kendra, thanks for your input
#KCACOLS
I remember how shocked I was when we moved to the USA, to hear that mothers only got 6 weeks maternity leave. And that mothers in the UK got a year? If I remember correctly… We get 4 months here in SA. This is such an important topic that needs more airtime! #kcacols
It is quite a difference, Jacqui, thanks for stopping by
I think that a good employer should work with their staff to try and accommodate their family needs as much as is reasonable but there are probably some times when its just not feasible. We definitely need to do a better job as a society in general here in the States when it comes to parental leave. Hopefully one thing that will come from the past year is realizing that not everybody needs to be onsite for all jobs and that flexibility is possible #lilbitofeverything
I appreciate you leaving your thoughts, Jeremy
The problem with a retail front like real estate is if she finishes an hour befire the shop closes, who works the last hour? You can’t employ someone for one hour. So I get it. tbh. I think corporate jobs are a little easier to be flexible. And I also think how much the employee is valued. If you really want to keep them because they bring so much to the table, then you will bend over to accomodate them. If they are only average and easily replaceable then you won’t.
We are a very small businees and have one really fantastic emplyee and we are offering him better parental leave when his wife has a baby than my two neices got when they had babies recently. It is quite costly for us but worth it if it means he stays and is happy. Had one of the other employees asked, I’m not sure we would have offered more than the legislated 2 weeks. #KCACOLS
Good points, Lydia, I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave your thoughts
I did extended hours – which meant I worked more on less days as this worked for me. Here an employer must consider a request for different hours I believe. #kcacols
e another way of he;ping new parents, thanks for sharing with me
It’s a difficult balance. Employers should try their best to be flexible but so should the employee. There are so many factors to take into account I think it would impossible to get it exactly right.
Katrina x
#mischiefandmemories
Totally agree, Katrina, thank you for your comments
Also popping by from #KCACOLS
Katrina x
Ooohh that’s an interesting one. I’m not really sure as I think it would probably depend on the industry and position and level of responsibility. I’ve always felt super lucky as work tries to be as flexible as possible to help new parents. #mischiefandmemories
Absolutely, Annette, thanks for stopping by and having me as a part of your linky
I think absoutely they should or work round some sot of flexibility X #kcacols
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I had no choice, I simply couldn’t afford childcare on the wages I would earn when my eldest wa born. My cousin was forced to return fulltime as several colleagues had been allowed to return part time after their maternity leaves and her work couldn’t manage another. Very tricky for businesses and mums. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
Sadly, that’s the case for many parents. thanks for sharing your experiences with me
I think the past 18 months have proved that flexibility in working and not insisting on everyone being present at the same time doesn’t lead to a total collapse of the business world so I hope that it will continue in this vein #mischiefandmemories
Too right, thanks for taking the time to read and leave your comment
Having flexible hours is a big plus for parents. A childmind is a good option too, as there are more flexible hours often times. How do you find the childminding? Thanks so much for joining us at #KCACOLS xx
Oh, Becky,I loved being a registered child minder and would still be doing it now, if I could, thanks for your input
I appreciate that it must be so annoying for companies having to negotiate part-time and flexi time etc. But there’s something key that they really shouldn’t forget – where they came from. We all started as babies! And the babies that we are racing home to pick up are the grown-ups of tomorrow.
#KCACOLS
Spot on, thanks for your feedback
Both o pop stents being able to have flexible working is important. It should not just be allowed for the mum. Fortunately we have been able to have flexible hours. The early years go so quick its so important to be there during them. ❤️😊 #kcacols
Totally agree, Rachel, thanks for sharing