Welcome Back, Sorcha! ??

We are beyond thrilled to have Sorcha Lewis-Charlton back with us after her maternity leave! A lot has changed since you've been away: new office, incredible team growth, and exciting projects on the horizon. Your exceptional management and co-ordination skills have always been a cornerstone of our success, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have as we continue to grow and innovate.

We thought it would be beneficial to get Sorcha's perspective on her journey over the last year as a mother and professional:

It’s no secret that balancing the demands of motherhood and work is challenging to say the least, and returning to work after a year of the rug being pulled out from under you is incredibly daunting!

There are so many obstacles that prevent women from returning to work after maternity, from childcare, costs, finance and health (mental and physical!) to role changes and office politics. I’m not saying anything new here, but hopefully, by sharing my experience, I can help others with ways to prepare for that transition and how our employers can help make a real difference and help women back into the workplace.?

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Setting Boundaries - We’ve always had a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere at A2 , so whilst we kept in touch during my maternity leave, we left any business talk for my KIT days. Having this ‘boundary’ mutually agreed for the duration of my maternity really allowed me to focus on my new journey as a first-time mum, without the worry of having to ‘show up’ professionally. Even though we are entitled to the time away, the guilt is real!

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Communication -In the run-up to my return (and on KIT days), we would always set aside time to discuss my role, how it has evolved alongside the business in the year I’d been away, and how to help manage the transition back into the team to be as smooth as possible. This alone gave me the reassurance that I was still a part of the future rather than a forgotten piece that had been ‘away’ for a year. We reviewed updated business plans, projected growth, new goals and strategies - this all got me ready before I had even started. I had clarity, purpose, and a pathway. Having a structured plan in place has made such a difference, especially when I know other parents have returned to work and have been left to feel like spare parts with no idea how or where they fit into the business anymore.

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Honesty - I was quite open about my fears of returning to work, mainly centred around needing to leave at any given time to collect a sick child from nursery or the fear of making that early morning / last-minute phone call to say I won't be able to come in. As soon as I voiced them, the response was, “Life happens. You’re a mother. You tell me what you need, and we will help however we can”. At that moment, I was so glad I had voiced my fears rather than pretending that I would be able to prioritise work 100% of the time. These open and honest conversations, no matter the response, are really important to be able to have.

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Growth - A lot had changed whilst I was away; new faces, promotions, a new office, expansion of the business, it was a lot to take in! Not only had I changed over the year, so had A2, and both for the better. Rather than feeling I had missed out, I was excited that I had been thought of, included and I was part of what was ahead. It has been the reassurance that there is still a place for me and my role is just as important, if not more so, than before.?

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I have the whole A2 team to thank for such a great return to work; they have welcomed me back with open arms and made me feel included, respected and supported. Working for a company like A2 where maternity and returning to work is supported and championed, is something I will always be thankful for.

Sorcha.

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