The role of women in the workforce has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. Gone are the days when women were primarily relegated to the role of homemakers. Today, women make up a significant portion of the global workforce, juggling their professional and family responsibilities.

For working mothers, in particular, the challenge of balancing work and family life is a delicate tightrope act. Recent statistics highlight this.

• The gender pay gap remains a significant issue, with women earning approximately 14.3% less than men, highlighting the urgency for equitable opportunities.
• The average weekly cost of a full-time nursery place in Great Britain was 285.31 British pounds for under twos. These high childcare costs make flexible working arrangements essential for many working mothers who need to manage both their careers and family responsibilities.
• 65% of working mums feel there are fewer career opportunities available to them since maternity leave.

Flexible working arrangements emerged as a lifeline for working mums, providing them with the much-needed flexibility to excel in both their careers and family life.

Hear From Working Mum’s at Morgan Hunt

We've reached out to working mums within the Morgan Hunt team to hear from them about their experiences. Their insights shed light on the unique challenges they face and how flexible working has become an essential tool in their journey to success.

Kirsty Stoddart – Senior Business Manager
In her own words, Kirsty Stoddart sheds light on how flexible working has transformed her work-life balance:

"In terms of flexible working I would say the working pattern I have at the moment really helps with my family life. The fact that I finish at 3pm every day gives me time to see the kids after school and get organised for after school clubs etc without having my head in the laptop at the same time! And when I asked just a few months ago to change my working pattern, it didn’t seem to be an issue to the company or my manager."

She also underscores the crucial role of her manager, Gillies, in supporting her:

"I know it is Morgan Hunt as a company that offers the flexible working, but also I would say the backing I get from Gillies is a massive help too as he is always understanding when 'life' happens and you need to reorganise work, etc."

Kirsty also touches upon the pressure she places on herself as a part-time worker:

"The only other thing I would add is that with working part-time, it is a pressure to achieve and do all parts of your role the same as a full-time member of staff. Not necessarily that anyone is putting pressure on me, but more me putting it on myself if that makes sense!"

Amie Day – Business Manager
Amie Day shares her own challenges as a working mum:

"I have 2 children – 4 years and 2 years old and I find having a career and being a mum very hard and challenging. But Morgan Hunt have made it easier for me by allowing me to work remotely and work 4 days a week so it gives me the time to be at home and flexibility to be there for my children should I need to. It also allows me to manage my own workload and work to suit me and my family."

She emphasises the importance of understanding and support:

"This job is very pressurised and busy, especially being in education at the busiest time of year but having a great manager who is a father himself, he manages to see it through my eyes too. I think more people need to be understanding that not only do we do a good job, but we are a mum to very demanding little people. You need a good team network and support around you who are understanding and considerate."

Annabelle Walster – Business Manager
Annabelle Walster recounts her experience of returning to work after having her second child:

"Returning to work after having my second child was a real shock to the system! It’s difficult to juggle the demands of being a mum whilst still being successful in your career. I am lucky to have had the support of my team in Manchester and in particular my Director, Eliot who has made retuning to work a whole lot easier with his support and understanding he has given me"

She goes on to explain how flexible working has helped her:

"Being able to work in a flexible way has helped me immensely! Living quite a distance from the office, working from home 3 days per week means I get to spend quality time with the children in the evening, something which wouldn’t have been possible before we worked flexibly due to the commute."

Annabelle highlights the challenges of working part-time in a demanding industry:

"Although for me, working 4 days a week is a huge positive, it does present challenges when working in a demanding industry such as recruitment. Having a work from home set up means I can overcome these challenges and speak to my candidates and clients outside typical working hours to ensure my business still runs smoothly!"

Challenges and Future Developments

Women in the UK are putting in more time at work than ever before thanks to flexible and hybrid working policies that sprang up during the pandemic, an analysis of official data by Bloomberg shows. However despite the numerous benefits of flexible working, challenges remain.

There has been a push to return more workers into the office, which risks undercutting a surge in the hours the women spend on the job.

• Amazon has issued a warning to staff who are not spending at least three days a week in the office, with Meta releasing a similar statement.
• Zoom has asked employees to come in for at least two days a week.

Hybrid working, such as coming into the office two to three days a week, doesn’t necessarily fall into the flexible working bracket and can bring huge benefits including improved collaboration and enhanced team dynamics. It’s important to strike the right balance and understand the nuances of hybrid and flexible working and what works for the individual.  

The concern is that this shift back to the office may affect women disproportionately. The pandemic had increased men's involvement in household responsibilities as more of them worked from home. However, the return-to-office mandates by companies could undermine this progress, creating conflict in two-career households. The reduced flexibility that comes with a return to the office may lead to a less equitable division of household tasks, which in turn can impact equality at home and work. It's a reminder that the benefits of flexible working go beyond gender equality and are vital for a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Benefits of Flexible Working for Working Parents

• Improved Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements empower working parents to better balance their career and family commitments.
• Reduced Stress: With more control over their schedules, working parents can reduce stress and burnout, leading to better mental and emotional well-being.
• Enhanced Job Loyalty: Offering flexible work options can lead to increased loyalty from working parents, as they appreciate the support provided by their employers. 9 in 10 parents said they would feel more loyal to an employer who offered them flexible working opportunities.
• Career Progression: Flexible working doesn't have to mean sacrificing career ambitions. Many organisations support and promote working parents, helping them advance professionally.
• Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that employees with flexible working arrangements often report higher productivity and job satisfaction. 9 in 10 employees consider flexible working to be a key motivator to their productivity at work.

Working mums are a vital part of the modern UK workforce, and their contributions should be celebrated and supported. Flexible working arrangements provide a lifeline to working mothers, allowing them to excel in their careers while still being there for their families. As society continues to evolve, it's crucial for businesses and policymakers to prioritise and promote flexible working options.

Empowering working mums is not just a matter of gender equality; it's a smart investment in a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce, and a step toward addressing the gender pay gap. If you'd like further advice or guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. 

The public sector plays a vital role in society. It provides essential services and infrastructure that impact our lives daily. To deliver these services, public organisations are turning more and more to technology. This has created a growing demand for tech professionals in the public sector. Public sector technology jobs are in high demand in the UK, as the government invests in digital transformation and innovation.

Tech jobs in this sector involve using technology to provide public services, such as health, education, security, and education. And for those working in the sector, it provides a unique and rewarding career path.

Benefits of public-sector tech jobs
There are a whole host of IT jobs within the sector, from Public sector developer jobs, and cyber security roles to data analyst jobs and business analyst jobs. Whatever the role, there are a host of benefits that are unique to the sector, too.

Salaries, benefits, and annual leave
Salaries for tech roles within the public sector are competitive. According to a report by Tech Nation, the median salary for public sector tech workers in the UK was £47,000 in 2022, compared to £45,000 for private sector tech workers. Although private sector positions sometimes boast higher initial salaries, public sector IT jobs make up for it with more comprehensive benefits, such as good pension plans, generous paid time off, and a healthy work-life balance. Over time, these benefits add up to a strong compensation package.

Those working outside of the public sector are not aware of the generous annual leave entitlement that is often applicable to the roles. Although this is dependent on the type of role, you may have around 30 days of holiday per year, plus bank holidays. This is higher than the basic 20-to-25-day standard allowance in the private sector.

Job Stability and Security
The public sector tends to be less influenced by economic uncertainty. This means that tech professionals in the public sector can enjoy a stable work environment and have a lower risk of redundancy. Public sector recruitment remains strong. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were an estimated 5.87 million employees in the public sector in June 2023, which is 133,000 (2.3%) more than in June 2022.

Making a Meaningful Impact
Working in the public sector means playing a vital role in people's lives. Working in tech, you’ll be helping to provide essential services and infrastructure through technology. Public sector tech professionals work on projects that impact the wellbeing of their communities and society. Whether it's improving healthcare systems, optimising transportation networks, or enhancing public safety, the sense of purpose that comes with public sector work is rewarding.

Diversity and inclusion
The Public sector is committed to diverse and inclusive workplaces. They promote equal employment opportunities in their job advertisements. And they create environments that welcome individuals from all backgrounds. The sector brings together people from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures. This commitment to diversity makes these tech jobs more inclusive and supportive. This dynamic and inclusive atmosphere enables you to enhance your soft skills and broaden your perspectives.

Flexibility
Public sector tech workers have more flexibility in choosing their work hours and locations than private-sector tech workers. Many organisations within the public sector offer options such as part-time work, job sharing, compressed hours, and remote work.

Public sector tech jobs often emphasise work-life balance, making them an attractive option for those seeking a fulfilling career without sacrificing their personal lives. Many public organisations offer flexible work arrangements, hybrid working options, and family-friendly policies, enabling employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With part-time, full-time, remote tech jobs, and flexible contract options, you can find a role that suits your circumstances while still making an impact in the field of tech.

Location
London used to be the biggest technology hub in the UK, with a large concentration of technology workers and businesses residing in the city, but the concentration of tech employment in the UK has spread since the COVID-19 pandemic introduced more flexibility into working life.

Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is a common sentiment among tech professionals in the public sector. Knowing that their work contributes to the greater good and impacts their communities can be fulfilling. The sense of purpose that comes with public sector tech jobs often leads to higher job satisfaction levels.

Learning and development
The Public sector prioritises employee development and growth. There are often opportunities for training and development to help tech professionals stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices. Additionally, public sector tech jobs offer a diverse range of projects. This enables employees to gain work experience in different areas.

Find out more about IT roles in the Public sector
Public sector tech jobs offer benefits that make them an attractive career choice. From job stability and flexibility to meaningful work and professional development, tech professionals in the public sector enjoy a diverse and rewarding career. If you're looking for a fulfilling and secure career in IT, consider exploring the opportunities that are available. https://www.morganhunt.com/jobs/jobfunction/technology/11

On Thursday 14th September we ran, ‘The AI Revolution: Transforming the Public Sector’ , where our esteemed speakers delved into the profound transformation AI has brought to the public sector and what’s on the horizon.

We discussed:

• Ethical concerns surrounding AI adoption in the public sector
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in AI-powered initiatives
• Unveiling the potential benefits of integrating AI in government operations
• Understanding how AI can boost efficiency and effectiveness in public services
• Identifying and implementing best practices for successful AI integration

Watch the full recording below

AI Resources mentioned

• The AI Playbook: https://www.scottishaiplaybook.com/
• AI Birticle: https://www.wired.com/story/bias-statistics-artificial-intelligence-healthcare/
• Machine Learning is not just glorified Statistics: https://towardsdatascience.com/no-machine-learning-is-not-just-glorified-statistics-26d3952234e3
• Free Online AI Course: https://www.elementsofai.com/