How I was supported in my journey into motherhood – and what my employer gained

Deciding to start a family can be difficult decision for some women who worry about the consequences on their career. Unfortunately, for some women, they don’t get the support they need, which leads to them leaving an industry and never returning.

In a world of skills shortages, its more important than ever to support mothers as they navigate the huge life change, and then help them get back to into work, when they are ready, so they can continue to build their careers. I can almost guarantee they will bring a whole new level of resilience, patience and perspective following their entry into motherhood.

So today, I wanted to share my own experience to show what a supportive company looks like, and the difference it can make to both employee and employer.

Working when pregnant

I made a conscious choice to prioritise my career before starting a family, and it has been a rewarding journey. I was driven, motivated, and eager to ensure I was professionally and personally ready for motherhood. And I’m so grateful to Gravitas for embracing this journey with me.

With nearly two decades in the recruitment industry, I've closely worked alongside our Chairman, Jonathan Ellerbeck, and Chief People Officer, Alex Naylor. They aren't just colleagues; they're like family. So, when I shared that I was pregnant, they were delighted and so supportive. Finding out I was pregnant marked my 16th year in this dynamic industry!

Working during pregnancy was a smooth experience for me, thanks to a straightforward pregnancy. I know it’s not like that for everyone! I remained committed to my career, running the Manchester technology recruitment office, and ensuring my team was well-prepared before my maternity leave.

Empowering others in my team to take the reins not only made me feel more at ease, but also left the company in a safe pair of hands as others stepped into more senior positions with more responsibility. I finished work on a Friday and had my baby on the following Wednesday, going right to term.

Influencing our maternity and paternity policies

Before maternity leave, we were formalising our maternity and paternity policies, within Gravitas, aiming to provide confidence and assurance to our employees in balancing family planning with their careers. As a pregnant team member, I was fortunate to be the project sponsor for this initiative, boosting the confidence of others in the company. We conducted extensive industry research to create a fair and supportive policy, addressing concerns related to maternity and paternity leave, job security, and team integration.

This again, filled me with confidence that the company was going to look after me and other future mothers, so they can feel supported both before and after pregnancy.

Returning to work felt like a break

Returning to work after maternity leave was a significant transition. It was challenging to adapt to this new phase of my life, with motherhood being a whole different ball game!

Coming back to work felt like a break, especially during those early months of motherhood when I felt overwhelmed, juggling between work and family responsibilities.

It helped me feel more like myself, and gave me an energy boost, which helped me to be a happier mother. Everyone is different, and for some new mums, they need more time, and a longer, slower, transition back to work. Its so important to listen and adapt to what works for the individual. Your company will reap the rewards in the long term by retaining knowledge, skills and experience.

Influencing other businesses culture and DEI

As a recruitment agency, we aim to lead by example, and help to positively influence the companies we work, beyond finding talent. We primarily focus on the technology and insurance sectors, which are traditionally male-dominated fields. However, we've seen a shift with more women entering these industries. Our role as a recruiter includes influencing company culture and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which all has an effect on the hiring of the businesses we work with. Holistically you have to consider everything that could attract or detract a person from joining your company.

Clients and candidates now choose to work with us based on our values and commitment to DEI. The conversation about DEI, including gender balance, is happening more frequently, and clients are interested in partnering with organisations that share their values.

How do I feel now?

My journey as a working mom at Gravitas has been incredible. Gravitas doesn't just talk about supporting its employees; they practise it. Flexible working, a comprehensive maternity and paternity policy, and a supportive work environment have made my transition into motherhood and made career growth possible.

Soon after returning to work, I was given the opportunity to go for promotion with the company and now I am Director of Technology for the whole of the UK, something I’m proud and humbled by – and loving every minute!

The role of a recruitment agency goes beyond finding the right candidates for clients; it includes influencing and advocating for better company cultures and the empowerment of ambitions. We are in a pivotal position to help companies embrace diversity and inclusion and create a more balanced and supportive workplace for working mums and dads.

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About Gravitas Recruitment Group

Gravitas is an internationally renowned recruitment group supporting niche roles within technology and insurance. We help fuel innovation by supporting specialisms that underpin development, transformation, and growth.

As niche specialists, we partner with our clients to create strategic hiring solutions that deliver the best, skilled, niche, talent – fast. We balance speed and excellence with compliance and integrity. That’s why we are trusted!

Our proactive, people-focused approach to specialist recruitment, means our candidates feel empowered and supported throughout their careers, providing access to the top companies in our industries.

In the UK, we have offices in London, Leeds and Manchester with specialist teams ready to help you build your business. Would you like to find out more? Visit our website