Withum’s Post

What chaos??  🤷🏽♀️ My client honestly thought that her life was running in utter chaos until we deconstructed her morning and her evening routines and took a detailed look at where she thought the chaos was. And we found out that she was mostly worried about whether she was doing enough, whether her kids were happy and all kinds of other "perfect world" scenarios that were going through her head. Most working mothers know how they want things to work in their life with family, it's just laying down that foundation and sticking to it that is the challenge. I work a lot with mindset and self-appreciation, because it's something I struggled with, even when I wasn't working. Most women know that they are enough, our kids love us unconditionally, it's acknowledging this and the best time to do this is particularly on a down day! Family life should not be chaotic. If it's chaotic as a working mother, it was probably chaotic before going back to work and possibly even when they were single! The debrief time in the evening with the whole family is so valuable and effective. It's good to talk about your highlight of the day, what you learned and what didn't go so well and just talk. You can do this with kids as young as 4 and 5, they love being heard just as much as adults. It will be never be perfect, but it will be better Live intelligently ✨️ #indestructiblewm #intelligentliving #workingsinglemumlife #burnoutrecovery #singleparent #singleparentlife #workingmum #workingmumlife #workingmums #workingmumsuk #singlemummy #timeisprecious #professionalmums #mumsinbusiness #highvaluewomen #getreadyforseptember #mumsgoingbacktowork #backtowork #backtoschool

Are Gen Z ‘really annoying’? While there might be differences in approach, it's crucial to acknowledge the value in their pursuit of a healthier work-life balance – especially if we’re to encourage new talent into the care sector. As Gen Z challenge traditional norms, is it not an opportunity for us to learn and adapt? Could we do more to foster an environment that encourages diverse perspectives and embraces the positive aspects of Gen Z's attitude towards work? #SupportGenZ #WorkLifeBalance #EmbraceChange https://lnkd.in/ddi5B_Je

Parenting and Work - Can we strike a balance? With so much focus on "To have it all" there is a constant pressure on us to excel in our careers as well as to be the most justified parent. The culture around us keeps reminding to achieve our professional goals and also to be the best parent that one can have. It sounds quite dreamy, but in reality it is not an easy feat to achieve. In this scenario, it is important to strike a balance by setting boundaries between professional and personal life. Spending quality time with children is what matters most over quantity. When we are with our kids, we should not think of sending an email quickly or may be work on some assignment while pretending to be with our child. Kids learn from what they observe. While you think there's no harm in sending off a quick email, your kids might feel ignored. How we balance our work life is what we pass on to our kids. So be practical, patient and learn to prioritize! Make some rules: 1. Understand and set boundaries 2. Say "No" to phone for few hours of the day 3. Work smart, be methodical and organized 4. Learn to relax, breathe, take breaks 5. Give time to interests and hobbies " “I slept and dreamt life was joy. I awoke and found that life was service. I acted and behold, life was a joy”. #Love #Grow #Relax #Live #LetLive #workingparents #parenting #worklifebalance #workingmums #workingmom #workingmoms #workingmum #flexibleworking #childcare #workfromhome #workingfromhome #momlife #workingparent #family #motherhood #mumlife #mumpreneur #parents #returntowork #workingmother #kids #workingwomen #parenthood

"Nearly submitting to the idea of abandoning my career due to the demands of motherhood weighed heavily on my heart. For what felt like an eternity, I struggled with the idea of entrusting my precious children to daycare facilities while I pursued my professional ambitions. It felt like a betrayal—a tug-of-war between my aspirations and my maternal instincts. Each morning, the internal conflict would manifest as I reluctantly dropped my kids off, only to be tormented with a sense of guilt and inadequacy throughout the workday. It was a cycle of self-doubt and internal confusion seemed unbreakable. However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, a silver lining emerged. The shift to remote work presented an opportunity—a lifeline, even. Suddenly, the lines between career and family began to blur in the most beautiful of ways. Embracing remote work wasn't just about convenience—it was about reclaiming control over my life, finding harmony between my professional endeavors and my role as a mother. The comfort and flexibility it afforded me were exceptional, serving as a catalyst for newfound confidence and empowerment. Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, I want to extend my admiration and gratitude to every mom navigating the complexities of work and family, whether in a remote setting or not. Your resilience and dedication are nothing short of extraordinary. To those still seeking a solution, I've taken the initiative to launch RemoteMomVentures —a platform designed to support and empower mothers in their pursuit of a fulfilling career while prioritizing their families. Together, let's embark on this journey towards balance and fulfillment. Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers out there. Keep pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and never underestimate the power of your strength and resilience. #happymother'sday #remotemom #workingmom #remotemomventures #linkedincommunity

As I reflect on my journey as a single working mother for more than 25 years, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and delight. While the path of a single parent certainly has its challenges, it's also brimming with opportunities for growth, strength, and immense joy. Every morning as I rise to tackle the day, I'm reminded of the incredible privilege it is to nurture both my career and my family. Balancing work commitments with the demands of single parenthood has taught me invaluable lessons in time management, resilience, and adaptability. One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is witnessing the profound bond that forms between myself and my children (of 27 and 10 yo now). Every hurdle overcome has been imbued with a sense of purpose, knowing that I'm not just providing for my children but also serving as a role model of determination and perseverance (or at least I try). Moreover, being a single working mother has empowered me in ways I never thought possible. It's forced me to tap into inner wellsprings of strength and creativity, pushing me to set ambitious goals and chase after them with unwavering determination. But let's not romanticize this, it is not easy without having a support system - it is fundamental to have one. Whether it's one person acting as a lighthouse or a wider network of family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, finding someone to rely on is crucial. If you do not have one, reach out to me…we can always talk and share experiences 💗 To all the single working mothers out there, I encourage you to embrace your journey with open arms. Celebrate the small victories, learn from setbacks, and above all, cherish the moments of love and laughter with your children. We're stronger and more capable than we realize, and it's okay to acknowledge moments of weakness and vulnerability too. Here's to the beautiful chaos of single motherhood and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. 💪👩👧👦 #SingleWorkingMother #Gratitude #StrengthInAdversity #DiversityandInclusion #Networking #Sharing #Supporteachother

👫 Helping Neurodiverse Colleagues ♾ I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year if you celebrate them! Over the break, I was talking to my neurodiverse fianceé about his struggles in the workplace. Here are the ways that he thinks you could help neurodiverse people in the workplace: (see images) How do you support neurodivergent colleagues? 💬 #neurodiversity #inclusionmatters #diversityandinclusion #workplacewellness #empathyinaction

### The Power of Community: A Lifeline for Working Parents Ever wondered why they say it takes a village to raise a child? 💡 At Oraco Group, we think it goes beyond just raising children. It's about thriving as a working parent 🌟. When you're trying to balance career ambitions with family responsibilities, the power of community can be your greatest ally. First off, let’s talk **support**. Imagine having a circle of people who get the challenges of deadline-driven days and sleepless nights. Imagine finding emotional support in each other by sharing real-life stories and tips. Whether it's advice on time management or handling the chaos of remote work while parenting. There's something comforting about knowing you're not in this alone - you're part of something bigger ❤️. Community also provides the undeniable benefit of **accountability**. Let’s face it – pushing through the demands of both work and parenthood can be exhausting. Sometimes, just knowing others are cheering you on can make all the difference. Together you can celebrate not just the big wins but also the small victories. That project you finally completed? We can high-five you for that! 👏 And guess what? The mutual encouragement fosters resilience in ways you never imagined. Community is also an environment for **learning and growth**. From managing stress to refining productivity hacks, sharing experiences with others is like having a secret weapon in your pocket 🔧. The power of community goes beyond superficial connections. It offers support, fosters learning, and provides accountability – three pillars that are crucial for every working parent striving for professional success and personal fulfillment. You can learn more about our parents@work community on our Oraco Group website at https://lnkd.in/d_5NVpRZ

Compassionate communication fosters workplace inclusivity Children and parents seem to be everywhere at the moment preparing for back to school. BUT...how many of you are aware that these simple joyful activities can also be massive triggers for loss parents or for involuntary childless colleagues. So, for many, work becomes a safe place. But what happens when there is incessant chatter about back-to-school activities in the workplace?  People who are grieving missed milestones may feel excluded which may then impact productivity and morale for the rest of the day. I am in no way suggesting censorship of sharing exciting news or going back to the old days of separating work and life with rigid boundaries. I understand and support that it is natural to want to share the stories that weave the rich tapestry of our lives. However, compassion and empathy are also needed to foster inclusivity in the workplace. What the childless and loss parents would like is compassionate communication and respect of boundaries between work (as a safe space) and life. Compassionate communication in this context means understanding and respecting that not everyone has the emotional energy to share in your excitement.  It means creating a supportive environment where individuals experiencing childlessness or loss feel included. Some ideas to foster inclusivity, minimise triggers, and maintain productivity for both involuntary childless colleagues and for parents / grandparents may be: * Respectful boundaries: Work time and meetings are set for professional discussions. Minimize off-topic chatter. * Balance: If you want to share social news in a work meeting, keep it to a minimum – just enough to build rapport and no more. * Appropriate use of communication channels: eg tea room for chats or personal emails to share pictures instead of all staff emails. Remember: it is not censorship to avoid triggers  - but compassionate communication to foster a healthier work environment, to help navigate sensitive topics, and create an inclusive workplace culture that respects all diversity. If you are a childless person needing a safe space to process or manage grief / triggers -  Life After IVF provides online counselling and coaching. If you are a manager and would like to explore creating an inclusive workplace for childlessness and loss parents -  Life After IVF is able to provide communication coaching. Please contact me for an obligation free discovery conversation via https://lnkd.in/gxbthdXv #Inclusivity #WorkplaceCulture #BackToSchool #managingtriggers #workplacecommunication #boundariesatwork #childlessnotbychoice #involuntarychildlessness #lifeafterivf #lossparents #missedmilestones #compassionatecommunication #infertility #pregnancyloss #babyloss #wellbeingatwork #productivity #infertilityfriendlyworkplaces #balancedcommunication

Amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding motherhood and work-life balance, I want to steer the conversation towards something equally impactful but often overlooked: diverse soft skills. Today, I'm shedding light on a few of these skills that have been instrumental in navigating both my personal and professional spheres. Patience: Parenthood has been my greatest teacher in patience. While I may have once been known for my impatience, raising a child has instilled in me a newfound sense of calm and understanding. Now, I find myself relying on this trait daily, whether it's in making decisions, conducting interviews, or tackling challenging discussions with colleagues. Decision Making: The ability to make swift and sound decisions is crucial both in parenthood and talent acquisition. As a parent, every choice we make can significantly impact our child's life. Similarly, in talent acquisition, effective decision-making ensures the right fit for the team and the organization as a whole. Critical Thinking: From analyzing developmental milestones to evaluating job candidates, critical thinking plays a pivotal role. It's about delving deeper, asking the right questions, and making informed judgments that lead to positive outcomes, whether in nurturing a child's growth or building a high-performing team. Multi-tasking: Juggling multiple responsibilities is a skill I've honed both as a parent and a professional. While it may not be my favourite aspect, I've learned to navigate through various tasks with finesse, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and maintaining a sense of efficiency in all endeavors. Prioritizing & Time Management: These two go hand in hand, whether it's managing household chores alongside work deadlines or optimizing productivity in a fast-paced corporate environment. By prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, I'm able to achieve balance and success in both realms. In essence, these soft skills are the backbone of my everyday life, enabling me to thrive in the dynamic landscapes of parenthood and professional endeavors. Let's celebrate the multifaceted nature of skill sets and embrace the diverse strengths that make us who we are. Cheers to all women and moms in the world on the upcoming International Women's Day! #parenting #momlife #balance #growth

The Unseen Guardian: How Teddy Enhances My Wellbeing and Mental Health As someone who has worked as a mental health care coordinator and later transitioned into a leadership role, I’ve come to understand the importance of maintaining a balance between work and home life. Amidst the pressures and responsibilities of my career, I found an unwavering companion in my small dog, Teddy. Teddy isn’t just a pet; he’s a grounding force and a daily reminder of the importance of self-care and mental well-being. The bond between humans and dogs has been celebrated for centuries, and modern science increasingly supports what dog lovers like me have always known: dogs are incredibly beneficial for mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to combating loneliness and depression, dogs provide a unique form of support that is both comforting and therapeutic. For me, Teddy’s presence is a gentle nudge to step back from the day’s stresses, providing a clear boundary between the hustle of work and that of home. However, owning a dog is a significant commitment that requires careful consideration. Dogs rely on their owners for their entire well-being, which includes physical exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent care. This responsibility spans many years and should not be undertaken lightly. Prospective dog owners must be ready to invest time, energy, and resources to ensure their furry friend’s health and happiness. I found toilet training particularly trying at times. In my journey, Teddy has played an indispensable role in maintaining my mental health. The routine of walking Teddy provides physical exercise and a mental break, fostering a structured and balanced lifestyle. The unconditional love and loyalty that Teddy offers is invaluable, especially during difficult times. In conclusion, while the decision to bring a dog into your life should be made with careful consideration of the long-term commitment, the benefits to mental health and overall well-being can be profound. For those ready to embrace this responsibility, a dog can be a steadfast companion and a powerful ally in navigating life’s complexities. #MentalHealthMatters #Wellbeing #PetTherapy #WorkLifeBalance #SelfCare #GoodMentalHealth #Leadership #LGBTQ+