Two entrepreneurial Sheffield ladies have set out to prove working mums can have a thriving career even with kids.
Nicki Seignot and Rebecca Fielding say they hope their story will inspire mum’s who feel victimised when returning to work, and also start a sea-change of attitudes amongst SME employers across not only South Yorkshire, but the whole of the UK.
Rebecca, a mum of two children is the founder of Gradconsult, an award-winning management consultancy based in Sheffield, employs a flexible workforce allowing workers freedom to get work done around their family. Meanwhile, Nicki, runs her own consultancy, The Parent Mentor helping parents returning to the workplace, and has advised Asda-Walmart, amongst others, on procedures around working parents.
“I have to confess the challenges around being both a parent and a work professional are ones I think no one can come to terms with until they find themselves in that position,” she said. “However, life is about balance and adopting a flexible approach and if done correctly does work,” she added.
Nicki, a mum of two, who has worked closely with Rebecca on strategies to help returning parents said: “In my corporate days I observed increasing numbers of friends and colleagues taking maternity leave and returning to work having made a big contribution to their organisation in senior level roles, virtually all saw parenting as a temporary break before resuming work and career but the experience was very different.” she said.
“It’s clear a more strategic approach to managing returns with realistic objectives can only help keep talented people happy and productive.”
Recent research published by the body Working Families showed that nearly one in five mothers (18%) reported they have deliberately stalled their careers for work life balance and the right to request flexible working hasn’t made the difference intended, with fewer than half (44%) believing that flexible working is a genuine option in their workplace.
“Rebecca and I believe for the sake of society we have to get the balance right,” added Nicki. “Depression, anxiety, mental health issues and stress is constantly in the news. Much of this is down to working lives that are unsustainable.” Only by fighting this battle and getting this message out in the open can we make the difference.”
“We want to stand up and take this message from Sheffield to Westminster and into the boardrooms of all businesses in the land.”
