Working parent Q&A
Area Manager Neesha Dillon explains how her AWA helps her be her best self at work
Neesha Dillon
Neesha, tell us about yourself and your career
This is my third Area Manager position having been in this location just over and year and a half after returning from maternity leave.
What's your weekly working pattern?
I work four and a half days with my half day from home. My alternative working arrangement (AWA) has changed throughout the year and a half as I have learnt through trial and error. The most important thing is to work with your manager, having honest regular conversations, making sure it works for you and the business.
What impact has your AWA had on your work-life balance?
Being a working parent is an ever changing balancing act. My AWA allows me to have the day at home with Theo which means so much to me. Being able to have a day at home with hi where I can balance home and work admin means that I can be my best in work.
What have you found to be the biggest challenge since becoming a working parent?
The hardest challenge is organising the drop-off collections and unavoidable sick days that naturally come with parenthood. At times, both me and my husband are away with work or have early meetings whereby having a plan is extremely important.
What advice do you have for anyone planning on having a family?
Being organised finding great childcare is essential, they get booked up a year in advance in some places. Make a plan with your other half, family and friends if you are able to. Having these conversations early will really help.
“Being a working parent is an ever changing balancing act”
Charlotte Hankin and Archie
Assistant Branch Manager Charlotte Hankin's schedule allows her to check in on her son throughout the day
Charlotte has a guaranteed 5.45pm finish time so she can be on time for nursery collection. Wednesday us always her flex day as there is no other childcare available. During her day at work, she is able to make calls and check in on how Archie is doing throughout the day. She says the support system at work enables her to organise her and Archie's days in advance.
A day in the life of Charlotte Hankin, Assistant Branch Manager
5.30am: Archie wakes up
6.00-6.45am: TV and breakfast so I can get ready
7.00am: Get Archie ready for the day
7.15am: Pack the nursery bag and leave the house by 7.20
7.45am-5.45pm: Work!
6.00pm: Collect Archie from nursery
6.15-6.30pm: Snacks and bath time
6.45-7pm: Bedtime for Archie before I can relax and organise for another busy day
If you are interested in a career with Enterprise, please visit our recruitment website at careers.enterprise.co.uk
