Parenthood and Flexible Working

Host and Senior Partnerships Manager Rakhi Sharma, is joined by two of our Working Parents Network Chairs Oliver Allnutt and Victoria Baark along with founder of Careers After Babies and author of the Careers After Babies: The Uncomfortable Truth Report, Jessica Heagren.

While parenthood brings immense joy and fulfilment, it also presents unique challenges, especially for parents returning to the workforce. Many individuals find themselves grappling with the complex intersection of balancing professional aspirations with the demands of caring for a family. From negotiating flexible work arrangements, to combating societal expectations, managing childcare, and feelings of guilt, the journey back to work can be rife with obstacles.

During the podcast, Vicki and Ollie discuss their post-parenting experiences and return-to-work journey. Additionally, Jessica shares insights from the ‘Careers After Babies’ report, highlighting alarming UK statistics including 85% of women leave full-time work within 3 years of having children, with a staggering 19% exiting altogether.

Jessica also highlights the fundamental changes that are needed for parental support on a global scale, as Ollie and Victoria showcase Kubrick's initiatives towards fostering a parent-friendly environment, from dedicated network spaces to innovative parent-buddy systems.

Thank you to our wonderful speakers for delving into such a crucial topic.