Way back at the end of March, when the Corona virus pandemic was only just starting to unfold in the UK and we all found ourselves in a very strange and unknown predicament, I had been asked to write a guest blog post on navigating a career and family life for Claire Brown Coaching, who runs the ‘The Career Hub for Mums’. Given the sudden changes, this ended up focusing somewhat on working from home and adapting to change.
Here is an extract from our Q & A session:
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself? What you do and how you got into doing what you do?
I’m Lucy, a mum of three. I’ve worked in various senior HR roles over the years on an employed basis and had the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy late 2018 after a company merger. I set up Mustard HR in 2019, specialising in Employee Relations. This has helped immensely to manage my family responsibilities alongside a rewarding, varied and challenging career.
For the past decade I’ve also sat as a lay member on Employment Tribunals alongside my ‘day job’. This has given me a unique insight into both sides of the employment relationship and is a role I really value.
Who do you help & what do they struggle with?
I set out to support SME’s needing Employee Relations support – those who do not have a dedicated HR function and those who do but require specialist/independent support. In reality, I’ve worked with a variety of clients in a range of sectors and business sizes, ranging from micro to global.
I often get asked what “Employee Relations” entails – in a nutshell, the individual and collective relationships within an organisation. Whilst a positive Employee Relations climate (with high staff satisfaction and engagement) is optimal, most employers will tell you that this is not always the case. Mustard HR helps employers with those tricky situations which require the practical application of employment law. This is arguably more important than ever given the current unprecedented and fast changing situation we face with COVID-19, which is affecting virtually every employer in this country.
Give us an example of how you would help clients with employment issues.
Mustard HR offers a range of support with employment issues such as grievance/disciplinary situations (investigations/hearings/appeals up to liaison with Acas conciliation/Employment Tribunals), restructures/redundancy situations, business transfers. absence management and assistance with implementing initiatives such as employee well being, flexible working and corporate social responsibility.
I am particularly passionate about flexible working and, prior to the recent situation somewhat forcing many to work from home, I was pleased to see more and more employers had been waking up to the benefits of offering flexibility.
At The Career Hub for Mums, I help professional working Mums to navigate career and family life and support them in finding their ideal balance. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s often a challenge to thrive in a career whilst being a present parent. How did you reach the conclusion that doing what you currently do was right for you?
I’ve always worked and since having my first child 13 years ago, I think I’ve done almost every flexible work pattern and style imaginable! Up until having my third child and some subsequent health issues, I managed all the juggling well. I’d go as far as saying I thrived on it and I definitely think having children made me a better employee as there is way less time for procrastination and I became very efficient. It helped that I have had a good family support network and childcare.
At the point I was made redundant I had some coaching which made me realise that setting up my own business was a real possibility. I attended a ‘freelance mum’ event, which for me, sealed the deal and whilst it was a daunting prospect initially, I realised that if I didn’t give it a go then, I might never do it.
What does an average day look like for you? (up to you if you talk about now or pre coronavirus!)
In this ‘new normal’ we are facing, I have had all three children at home and am snatching small pockets throughout the day to work and making up for it in the evenings. My partner and I are looking to sort out some sort of ‘job share’ arrangement to cover childcare from next week. It has been quite stressful if I’m honest but you have to be pragmatic in these situations and I also realise there are a lot of people worse off, who have lost all their household income or are key worker needed in the workplace and trying to hold everything together.
I recently posted the following tips on social media (I could do with trying harder to follow them myself!): https://www.instagram.com/p/B91FMIOj98L/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Whether you’re applying for a new job, setting up in business or simply trying to survive this stretching season, what strategies can you suggest for developing resilience?
- Be kind to yourself. Think what advice you would give a friend in the same situation and try to apply it to yourself, don’t set yourself unrealistic goals.
- Designate yourself a ‘period of adjustment’. With any life change – even more importantly during the current crisis which is not exactly a life choice for any of us – allow yourself (and children where applicable) a period where you get used to the ‘new normal’.
- Utilise all the help you can. Currently this will have to be virtually but there is loads out there and it shouldn’t stop you. When I set up Mustard HR I quickly realised I could not do everything myself and so used my contacts to get help, supporting local businesses where I could. This can apply to entertaining kids whilst you try to work – make use of any educational or creative tools and other on-line activities and use your social media networks/groups as appropriate to bounce ideas off others you trust – work or family wise.
You can read the full article here: https://www.clairebrown.co/guest-blogs-articles/tips-for-adapting-to-a-new-normal
Claire Brown works as a supportive life coach, helping professional working mums achieve success on their own terms. Find out more here: https://www.clairebrown.co/