07/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2024 23:39
When Rachel and Rob found out they were expecting their little girl, Bella, in 2022, front of mind was that they both wanted the chance to take on the role of primary carer. They knew this meant they could both connect with their baby and create a more equitable caregiving rhythm. Since they both work at REA Group, it made it easy to understand and leverage the policies available to them. Rob took three weeks secondary carer's leave initially when Bella was born, before working hybrid so he could be around to support Rachel at home.
Can you tell us about your experience taking parental leave?
Rachel:
While on parental leave with a newborn, it was wonderful having Rob around while he worked from home - it was certainly great to go for a walk as a family at lunchtime. It did wonders for my recovery and Rob was able to build a great bond with our daughter too. Upon my return to work, Rob was able to take 2 months primary carer's leave. This really helped my transition and gave me time to settle in before Bella started childcare.
Rob:
The time I had with Bella was a highlight for me, and an eye-opening experience. I enjoyed it so much, that afterwards I decided to use my long service leave over six months (one day a week) to spend a day with her each week.
REA has a hybrid work model; how does this help you juggle work and life responsibilities - before and after Bella was born?
Rachel:
During the first 15-20 weeks of pregnancy, I suffered from intense and quite debilitating morning sickness. My manager was extremely supportive of me working almost fully remote during this period, and then again in the last trimester. In the lead up to Bella's birth, it was essential in the final weeks that we avoided catching COVID, which would have meant travelling to a different hospital and not having access to our obstetrician or the five days support post-delivery.
Rob:
We're fortunate that REA Group's hybrid working policy encourages teams to develop ways of working that achieves the best of both worlds, flexibility for the home and coming into the office for moments that matter. For us this usually means spending two days in the office and working from home our other workdays.
Rachel:
Now that Bella is at childcare, we sit down at the start of each week and chat about what we both have on, who needs to attend the office on what days, and who can cover pickups and drop offs. The biggest challenge is juggling work with Bella's routines, meal preparation, home duties and the endless childcare illnesses. Hybrid enables us to balance these (often conflicting) priorities. Hybrid working is a game changer for primary carers navigating the life stage of having young children. It helps them remain in the workforce, which from a company perspective, is a small investment in the scheme of things for the value they bring to an organisation.
What happens when life (AKA childcare illness) throws you a curveball?
Rob:
One of the biggest challenges for us is when Bella gets sick from childcare. Our plans tend to go out the window. It's taken me a while to fully adjust to this chaos, but at the end of the day you need to remind yourself things will eventually get done, and it's ok to ask others for help, whether it's the grandparents or your team. I'd be lying if I said it was easy, but I think being a parent makes you ruthless at prioritising what really matters at work and at home.
Rachel:
Our days in the office are not the same, so we can take the stress off the person in the office to make it home in time for childcare responsibilities. The key to managing unplanned changes is being flexible (something we're still learning to do) and accepting that your calendar may need to change too. My tip is to really focus on the top priority things. Each morning, think about the three most important things to do each day and tackle those first.
Rachel & Rob:
We both have a ritual of doing a written list at the end of the working day to help 'park' things ready to be picked up first thing the next day. After work, take a moment to switch into your home mode so you can be fully present for your family.
You're almost two years into your parenting journey, can you share your top tips for new parents?
Rachel & Rob:
In the grand scheme of things, you really start to understand what is important. You also very clearly start to understand what the things are you must do and behaviours you will/won't accept from family, friends, and colleagues. If anything, it really frees you to be your authentic self and focus on what you want for your family.
Our tips for new parents:
What has been your biggest highlight so far?
Rachel & Rob:
Watching Bella grow and develop, discovering something new each day, smile, dance and laugh. Becoming a parent teaches you more about yourself than anything else we've experienced!
Rachel is a Delivery Manager, managing leaders in REA Group's Consumer Product Experience and Rob is an Executive Manager in Tech and Data, leading a team of Cyber Security leaders delivering products and services to support the business.