You’re growing your business and you need more brilliant people than you can find, you sure don’t want to lose the good people you have. So when your senior dev requests flexible working, tells you that they’re pregnant or wants to share parental leave, how do you manage the situation to make sure they make the best / most productive return possible?
Or you’ve sussed that talent's moving from LDN > MCR for a better work life balance. You believe in balance, and supporting your people in the fullness of their lives - how can you communicate your company values to potential hires?
So much energy and effort from Manchester Digital and members is going into growing the talent pipeline into our businesses - and this is super important work. But we’re filling a leaky bucket.
84% of employers recognise that it’s in their interests to support pregnant employees and employees on maternity leave, but 77% of mothers have had a negative / possible discriminatory experience at work. So there’s a mismatch between intent & practice somewhere, and this is the problem Working Forward Greater Manchester aims to solve.
The Equalities & Human Rights Commission has a small team of Relationship Managers who can provide free, expert advice and support on these issues to employers who have signed a Pledge to drive out discrimination against expectant and new parents. They want to help you be the best employer you can be, and you’ll get a resource pack & ‘Working Forward’ branding for your comms.
On 22nd June we’ll be celebrating GM employers who’ve signed, such as BJL, Thoughtworks, Peak, SopraSteria, ITV and of course Manchester Digital, and be sharing inspiration and information about the scheme with those who want to know more.
So please join us at Federation House, 9-11am, Friday 22nd June. We’ll hear from GM Mayor Andy Burnham and business leaders why Manchester should be the City setting progressive, positive standards for work – as we always have. The event will be hosted by Helen Skelton off the telly, and it’s going to be great.
To register for the event sign up here:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3410386
