Are we telling the truth?

Are we telling the truth about what it's really like to juggle work with family life?? Will we ever get to a place where?everyone (regardless of their gender)?has the opportunity to build their career and be able to enjoy quality family time???

Not unless we take action.??

The UN predicts it's going to take 286 years to achieve gender equality at the current rate of progress.? That's just not good enough.? So last week we ran our inaugural?Families at Work Summit in Dublin and on live stream.?

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The feedback from the day has blown us away - 'inspiring', 'thought-provoking', and 'I'm?buzzing after this event ' reflects the feelings attendees shared with us.??

How do you sum up 4 hours worth of thinking in a short newsletter?? We'll give it a go!?

??We revisited the?Past.? What attitudes and beliefs have shaped some of the challenges we see in today's workforce?? Take a peek at this video from the 1990s... and let us know what you think.? Shocking, right??

? "Max is just 6, but already?thinks boys are better than girls at certain jobs, whilst Emmie thinks both boys and girls are equally good".? Research shows that gender bias begins as?young as 5 years of age.? So if we wait to tackle this at work, we're already too late.? You can listen to the research here.?

Our keynote speaker, Christine Armstrong, delivered a research-packed session where she?discussed

??If it feels hard juggling work and family, it's because it is hard. ?The system is broken, yet juggling the demands of both can?feel like a personal failing.?

?Are we all lying?? Putting a brave face on things??People are very unwilling to tell the bald truth about how difficult it is to be a working parent or carer. Let's get more honest.

?There is no evidence to suggest we're more productive in the office.??The 'return to office movement' is being driven by senior leaders who have never had to think about caring responsibilities.??It is neither equal nor inclusive.

? Talented people want choice and the more progressive companies will reap this reward.? Expect to pay 20% more if you insist that people work from the office.??

? Families should think analytically about how they work as a team at home, and it's?important that one parent doesn’t have all the time-sensitive tasks (like making dinner and doing school runs) which can limit that person’s work options.

Our panel guests presented their stories to show the people behind the policies, and how important it is to 'launch and love' your policies (thanks to Gavin Hennessy of AXA for this quote!).?

?? Piotr Jan Pietrzak spoke about the low uptake of paid paternity leave in his native Poland? - at just 1%. He discussed the social stigma around men taking this leave, and how we can get more dads involved in their babies’ lives.

?? Joan Johnston and Cathy Wheatley both shared their highly moving personal stories of how their family circumstances affected their work, and their need to avail of support from their employers. Joan is the parent of a child with special needs and Cathy has been through fertility treatment and finally became a mum through surrogacy.

Ornua, Irish Life, AXA and Kerry are the first companies in Ireland to be?recognised with the Investing in Families Award.? They've put?families at the heart of their inclusion strategy.??Congratulations to all involved.?

This award is presented to companies who have embedded our Platform55 supports.? It shows their commitment to gender equality as well as enhancing their?employee's wellbeing.

Becoming a change maker

There are so many deeply ingrained attitudes and beliefs around genders, and 'who does what'.? So to make real change we need to look at our homes, and our workplaces, which in turn will have a positive impact on societal change.

Co-founders Tracy and Michelle wrapped things up by sharing the practical things organisations can do to fast-track their journey to equality.?

If you'd like to know more about the actions we recommended to create more equal workplaces for women and men - drop us a note at?[email protected] or book a call with co-founder Michelle.?

Until next time, let's get real about the reality of juggling family and work - and let's be a change-maker!