Empowering Mums & Redefining Flexibility in the Workplace at Axe & Kettle
We celebrate women every day, not just on International Women’s Day. When we started Axe & Kettle we set out to reimagine the traditional workplace and embrace a culture of true flexibility, particularly for working mums.
To kick things off, here are just a few stats reported in Deloitte’s Women @ Work: A Global Outlook Report:
Lack of flexibility around working hours is one of the top three reasons women gave for leaving their employer in the past year, and is the number one reason women cite who are looking to leave their current employers.
An overwhelming 97% of respondents believe asking for more flexible working arrangements could adversely affect their chances of promotion at work.
95% feel that if they do gain more flexibility, their workload will not be adjusted accordingly — in effect, they would continue to do a full-time job in fewer hours and for less money.
The survey also shows that two-thirds of women in highly flexible work arrangements plan to stay with their employer for more than three years, compared to only 19% of women with no flexibility.
As founders who understand the unique challenges faced by mothers in the workforce, we were determined to create an environment where flexibility isn't just a buzzword but a fundamental pillar of our ethos.
From Struggle to Strength: How We Champion Working Mums
We acknowledge that the journey for working mums often involves navigating a maze of competing priorities, from professional responsibilities to family commitments. At Axe & Kettle, we've made it our mission to transform this struggle into strength by offering a variety of flexible work arrangements tailored to the needs of our team members.
Our Model Built For Mums
1. Part-Time Positions: Recognising the need for balance, we provide part-time roles that allow mums to excel professionally, while prioritising their family obligations. As a working mum, Amy understands firsthand the importance of having the flexibility to juggle both worlds without compromising on either.
2. Permalance Opportunities: Many mums on our team opt for permalance arrangements, giving them the freedom to choose when and how they work while still being an integral part of our agency. This setup allows them to contribute their expertise on a project basis while maintaining the flexibility to manage their schedules.
3. Remote Work: Embracing the shift towards remote work, we offer the flexibility for all our team members to work from home, providing a supportive environment where they can thrive professionally without the constraints of a traditional office setting. We understand that the ability to work remotely is not just a convenience but it is a necessity for many working mums.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Breaking The Stereotypes
We've all heard the rhetoric about workplace flexibility, but all too often, it's merely lip service and mums in particular are met with sly comments and darting eyes as they leave early to pick up their children or to attend their sports day or school play. At Axe & Kettle, we're committed to turning rhetoric into reality by creating a culture where working mums are not only supported, but celebrated for their contributions. We believe that true flexibility means more than just accommodating schedules; it means embracing diversity and inclusivity in all its forms.
Join Us In Redefining Flexibility
As we continue to champion flexibility in the workplace, we invite other businesses to join us in this mission. Let's challenge the status quo and create environments where working mums can thrive, not despite their roles as caregivers, but because of them. Together, we can build a future where flexibility isn't just a perk but a fundamental right for all. Everyone wins.
As we continue to evolve Axe & Kettle, we're excited about the journey ahead, confident that our unique team dynamics will continue to set us apart in the ever-changing world of digital marketing.
