One of the most common priorities raised by candidates – especially working parents – is flexibility. It’s no longer just a nice-to-have. For many, it’s essential.
How It Can Work In Practice
At Headstar, several senior team members of our team work three or four-day weeks while continuing to meet their targets and performance expectations. Hybrid working models with numerous work from home days also support better work-life balance – enabling parents to manage nursery drop-offs and reduce commuting time in favour of more productive hours.
Ask Yourself Does This Role Need to Be Full-Time?
So, if you’re hiring into a role, it’s wise to pause and ask yourself: Do I truly need someone full-time? Could this job be done in fewer hours, with more flexibility? Could it even be a job share? And do they really need to be in the office every day?
Because here’s the reality – we still see fewer women in c-suite finance roles. And it’s not due to a lack of talent. Finance isn’t a particularly male-dominated field. But many working mums who need flexibility end up reluctantly stepping back in responsibility, simply because there aren’t enough executive part-time opportunities available.
HerFinance Circle – A Community for Senior Women in Finance
That’s actually why Headstar recently set up HerFinance Circle – a new community of senior women in finance. There is a growing WhatsApp network and we host regular events across Yorkshire. It’s a space where female CFOs and senior leaders can support one another, share experiences, and inspire more women to step confidently into c-suite roles.
Champion Flexibility. Unlock Talent.
At Headstar, a third of our team are part-time working parents. And our MD will tell you – they’re probably the smartest workers we have. Being part-time doesn’t mean doing less. It means working smarter, not longer.
So, if you’re hiring – consider whether flexibility could open doors. You might just uncover an incredible pool of untapped talent.
Let’s champion flexibility. Let’s make space for full-time results – delivered in part-time hours.
