CalmMoment.com 17“As a working parent, I was often
running late and I ended up feeling as
though I wasn’t living, just surviving. I
asked my employer for some flexibility,
and they said no, as it would open the
floodgates to others seeking to do the
same thing." Anna decided to take
action. The next day, she quit her job
and launched Flex Appeal – a movement
promoting flexible working for all.
The issue is about more than just
changing your work schedule, says
Anna, we need to shift the way we think
about flexible working. “Even if people
have it in place, they're often worried
that if they apply for a promotion, they
may lose it. It shouldn’t be something
you have to earn; it should be available
for everyone,” she says. And that’s key
for Anna; that flexible working isn’t just
for parents, it’s for anyone.
The benefits aren’t just for the
employees either. “There are lots of
case studies and statistics showing
that businesses who are offering more
flexible working practices are actually
more productive, and their employees
are staying with them for longer,
helping them to both make and save
money,” Anna explains. She advises
presenting this kind of information to
your employer. “Go in with business in
mind,” she says. “Don’t get to the point
where you’re saying ‘I need this’ – do it
before it gets to that."
Find more of Anna's tips on working
flexibly at motherpukka.co.uk
Anna Whitehouse,
AKA Mother Pukka,
is the founder of the
Flex Appeal campaign
WHAT I DO