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Graduates & Students
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blogs
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2/12/2021
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"Coming back to work, in the middle of a pandemic was so hard.. I think any new Mum going back to work after a year off on maternity leave is challenging anyway, but with my mental health taking a decline, being diagnosed with Post Natal Depression and anxiety, and feeling as though Covid 19 took away the majority of my maternity leave made it all that much more of a struggle. Having such a flexible employer has taken a huge weight off of my shoulders. I have been able to ease myself back into work with the flexibility of Vodafone’s Reconnect programme which has allowed me to work 4 out of 5 days a week without it impacting my pay, giving me that extra day to spend with my now 14-month-old daughter.
The pandemic has caused so much disruption with childcare, meaning that 1 day a week I have had to juggle my work with taking care of my daughter not easy (she doesn’t always agree with my work schedule, unfortunately). I have had occasions where her nursery has had COVID-19 cases, so I have had to have her at home with me for long periods.
I know there are so many parents out there trying to juggle childcare, home schooling, work commitments, taking care of vulnerable relatives etc and I feel so fortunate to have an understanding employer who has gone above and beyond to support me and my wellbeing throughout.
One of the things I love about Vodafone is how seriously they take their employee's mental wellbeing. My team in particular have regular team catch-ups, social events, check-ins, sometimes just an hour out of the day to catch up virtually with a cup of tea and talk about what great new show we recommend on Netflix!
My manager checks-in with me not to check up on my workload, but to make sure I am supported and ask how I am feeling.
Having the flexibility to work from home and flex my hours during this crazy time has been a huge support. Some days are better than others, I can't always guarantee that I will be able to make it to that Teams meeting or have to move a call to another day but I think this is a new normal now, my daughter has made an appearance on a few calls and I have seen other colleagues (and candidates) in the same boat. I think one of the positives to come out of the pandemic is the realization that work doesn’t have to be 9 – 5, and having that work/life balance is so important and I am proud to work for a company that recognizes that."
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We caught up for a virtual cup of tea with Vodafone employee and new mum Zoe! Zoe shared with us what it's been like returning to work since having her little girl last year and the support she's got from Vodafone during the COVID-19 lockdown.