Discover how Findmypast's remote-first policy empowers women to be programmers and mums at the same time

Just under a year ago, Louise swapped a career in social work for a job as a Junior Software Engineer at Findmypast. Here, she discusses Findmypast’s remote-first policy, and the positive impact of working remotely on her family and wellbeing.?

??Sometimes, I’ve told people that my job is fully remote, and the response I get is 'why would you want that?'. I fully recognise the benefits of working in an office, but the pandemic has forced companies to adapt their practices. This change in work culture has been welcomed by many, myself included. Working fully from home has been key to managing my well-being, which in large parts is due to decreased stress from trying to juggle life with a small child and a full-time career. There is no doubt in my mind that policies such as remote-first empower women, and remove the need to choose between family or career.

As a social worker, I worked full-time in a stressful and hectic environment. The hours allocated did not suffice for the mountains of work, so I was often forced to sacrifice evenings and weekends with my family. While looking for my first role in technology, the stress and anxiety this work environment had created was at the front of my mind, and it was one I was desperate to avoid. I set clear priorities of finding a company who valued people, where I would be able to work flexibly, whilst also being honest and transparent about my workload.

??Providing a diverse and inclusive workspace is challenging, but one way Findmypast are taking direct action is with their remote-first policy. This means I can work from home every day, but that I also have an office available, should I require it. By affording me the opportunity to work fully from home, I am able to build a career as a full-time software engineer, whilst avoiding getting overwhelmed by my responsibilities to my family.

??The most measurable benefit of working fully from home is the extra time in my day. This allows me to complete chores and errands, which in turn allows me to make time for my daughter, and to be together as a family.

From spending quality time with my family, being able to accomplish something every day, where my value is not judged as a mum but as a programmer, and without the stress of incomplete chores, my wellbeing increases significantly. In sum, working from home allows me to focus on my work, and makes me determined to go the extra mile.

??It’s important to highlight that remote working has its drawbacks, and it doesn’t fit for every situation. Everyone has their own story, their own needs, and companies need to adjust accordingly. This is why a remote-first policy makes sense; while my daughter is young, I can work from home, but I’m not forced to should my needs change.

?Ultimately, this is what lies at the heart of diversity and inclusion. It is understanding that everyone has different needs, no-one fits a mould perfectly, and to enable a diverse workplace, companies must accommodate employees’ needs, not the other way round.?

Louise Shambrook

Junior Software Engineer at Findmypast