Helen Sachdev, Director & Alison Green, Director, WOMBAHelen Sachdev, Director & Alison Green, Director
An inclusive culture, pivotal for thriving organizations, places a premium on retaining top talent, particularly in terms of gender diversity. Embracing the significance of supporting employees through major life transitions like parenthood, forward-thinking organizations empower working parents with practical and psychological support to ensure continued engagement in the workforce while nurturing a culture of inclusivity.

Leading the charge in aiding organizations in their pursuit of inclusive goals is WOMBA (Work, Me and the Baby), a specialized coaching practice. It cultivates workplace culture that embraces inclusivity and furnishes organizations with the essential tools and guidance to effectively support working parents. With a resolute mission, WOMBA empowers working parents and dismantles the misconception that parenthood hinders career progression.

At the core of WOMBA’s excellence are experienced coaches who have personally navigated the intricate balance between work and parenthood. Through customized coaching sessions tailored to the parenthood journey, it partners with organizations in delivering specialized assistance, boosting parents’ self-assurance as they reenter the workforce and manage their careers.

“What WOMBA is championing and campaigning for is equal opportunities for all working parents, both working mums and working dads,” says Alison Green, director at WOMBA.

Insights from Innovative Research Collaboration

WOMBA has conducted groundbreaking research in collaboration with Hult International Business School, shedding light on the distinctive experiences of working parents. The collaborative research offers invaluable knowledge into the policy and culture needed to drive organizational change and create environments where working parents thrive.

What distinguishes WOMBA’s research is its gender-neutral approach, interviewing an equal number of primary caregivers, both men and women, as well as interviewing People Leads responsible for their organisation’s support for working parents. This inclusive perspective provides a holistic view of the working parent journey. The research yielded 12 valuable recommendations aimed at organizations, senior leadership, HR policy makers, D&I professionals, and government bodies. These recommendations are designed to help organizations address the challenges faced by working parents, promoting diversity and inclusion.

The gender pay disparity starts to expand as women become parents, emphasizing the importance of organizations prioritizing and supporting the transition into working parenthood.

While mothers often encounter a ‘motherhood penalty,’ fathers may benefit from a ‘fatherhood bonus.’ These disparities are deeply rooted in cultural and social policy factors, and WOMBA’s recommendations help address and rectify these issues.

WOMBA has witnessed significant advancements in organizational policies in the last few years. Some leading FTSE 100 companies now offer equal and extended paid parental leave to both mums and dads, marking a remarkable departure from previous years. In addition, organizations increasingly acknowledge the importance of flexible work arrangements, recognizing that employees can sustain high productivity in flexible work settings. These shifts represent substantial strides toward a more supportive workplace environment for working parents.

Tailored Coaching Programs for Working Parents

WOMBA’s coaching programmes, rooted in simplicity and effectiveness, understand the organization’s unique culture and craft tailored solutions. Organizations seek out WOMBA for one-on-one support for employees during pivotal life transitions, like maternity, extended paternity, shared parental leave, and adoption leave. For larger organizations, it offers group programmes, solidifying their reputation as employers of choice through offering support that’s highly valued by their employees at a time when it’s most needed.

For parents, WOMBA’s team of seasoned coaches serves as invaluable thinking partners throughout the various stages of working parenthood as they start and grow their family. It recognizes that the challenges faced by working parents are multifaceted, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

What WOMBA is championing and campaigning for is equal opportunities for working parents, both working mums and working dads

One of WOMBA’s flagship programs is Parental Leave Coaching, tailored to support working parents during the critical transition. They benefit from personalised support that integrates new skills and perspectives, boosting confidence and adeptly managing significant life and career stages.

Even during challenging times such as organizational restructuring, WOMBA’s services remain a priority. Its value is evident in the positive influence on the employee network.

For progressive organizations and their working parents, WOMBA stands as a steadfast beacon of encouragement, equipping them with the tools to confidently navigate the landscape of balancing career and parenthood while fostering diverse and forward-looking inclusive environments.