Working Styles and Family Support
Co-chairs: Karoline Freeman and Emma Hall
Aims
The Flexible Working and Family Support subgroup within the WMS departmental Athena SWAN initiative is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our department, particularly those who may require accommodations related to family responsibilities or seek flexible working arrangements. Our aim is to implement policies, practices, and resources that empower individuals to achieve a healthy work-life balance while excelling in their academic and professional pursuits.
Activities/ Achievements
The Flexible Working and Family Support subgroup has made significant strides in promoting a more accommodating and family-friendly culture within our department:
Flexible working adoption: We have actively adopted a flexible working culture across WMS that accommodates diverse family needs with 81% of staff respondents in the 2023 survey stating that flexible working at WMS is adequate for their needs.
Bereavement support: We have established a bereavement working group which works to highlight difficulties and identify solutions to support bereaved staff members when returning to work.
Resource Provision: Recognising the importance of practical support, we have facilitated access to
internal support networks and policies, signposted through our webpages.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Flexible Working and Family Support subgroup is committed to further advancing our mission and creating an even more inclusive and supportive environment. Our future plans include:
Continued Advocacy: We will continue to advocate for the enhancement and implementation of policies that promote flexibility and support for caregivers and individuals with family responsibilities as well as clarity around hybrid working arrangements.
Expansion of Resources: We aim to expand our resource offerings to encompass a wider range of family support services, including support around bereavement, caring for older relatives and support for fathers.
Evaluation: We will evaluate the effectiveness and uptake of existing KIT/SPLIT day provision. By collecting data and soliciting feedback from department members, we aim to ensure that our efforts are meeting the needs of our parental community.
Collaboration: We will seek opportunities to collaborate with the wider University departments to share best practices, leverage resources, and amplify our impact on a broader scale.
Through these initiatives, we are dedicated to creating a culture where all individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
Additional Links
Maternity/ Paternity Leave Support
Care Companion (warwick.ac.uk)
Hybrid Working (warwick.ac.uk)
Bereavement Specific Links