If you have been keeping up to date with National Work Life Week, you may have noticed people sharing their thoughts, inspirations, tips and reflections on flexible working. For 2024, the theme was discovering what flexible work means for different people across all sectors, roles and backgrounds; you can catch up using #MyFlex. Campaigns such as this are always great for raising the profile of the importance of flexible working, as well as the variety of ways you can create this for yourself, company or business. If you are feeling inspired and want to read more, I have curated a range of blogs, articles and books, written since the last National Work Life week, to help you create the balance that you deserve. Here are five blogs to support flexible working.
Before I move on to the newer content, let me remind you of the blog written last year, on this very topic! Here I covered topics from flexible working jobs boards to the mental load and hybrid working. Hop along to that treasure trove here, before you start the content from the past 12 months.
Now, that you are back, hopefully, feeling more informed, here are five blogs that can help you create a career to enjoy, and work flexibly in 2024, and beyond.
- Get to know your rights
Employment law in England had a significant change in 2024, and there appear to be great changes in the future since the change in government over the summer. This blog will provide you with a quick overview of the 2024 changes, as well as signposting you to the professional bodies that can update you on any future changes.
- Is flexibility a reaction to a need?
There are times when life pressures and changes mean that you need to create more flexibility than you previously needed; when an unexpected life event is the catalyst, then the timescales are pressing. This blog will give tools to help you support your career during stressful times.
- Has your identity shifted?
It comes as no surprise that a lot of my work is through the lens of parenthood. The life changes, needs for work and balance at home can impact the core of who you are. Not knowing who you are now, can lead to struggles to verbalise what you need. This personal blog, reflecting on finding your identity within motherhood, may resonate with you.
- Make the most of working from home.
The concept of working from home, either remotely or in a hybrid role, is not as uncommon as it was five years ago. However, it isn’t always the “magic bullet” to all things balance. So many of my clients find themselves slipping into bad habits and routines, and even pine for the days when they were fully in the office! If that is you (or you are just after some new routines) then check this out.
- Get financially educated
I’ve been on a massive money journey since I went self-employed. The ups and downs of income certainly focus the mind on financial knowledge, spending and saving. This is why I have included the review of Money Talks as the final blog within this flexible working round-up. The are cost implications of working flexibly – both positive ( such as commute cost savings) and restrictive ( including heating and electricity bills!) – so it made sense to include this as an educational piece.
As National Work Life week ends, what lessons and tips will you take forward throughout the rest of the year, to create your version of flexible work, and support your balance?
I’d love to know more in Creating Careers to Enjoy or pop a comment below.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
