By Nikki Clohessy

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, it’s imperative to reflect on how we can foster greater gender parity, inclusion and empowerment for women in the workplace. The Bespoke Group, is made up of talented PR and marketing professionals and highly skilled financial, HR and account support experts – and two thirds of our staff are women. We recognise the pivotal role that flexible and hybrid working models play in helping to close gender gaps and promote equality and began implementing these policies many years ago. This blog explores how these policies align with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ and how they have helped our business ensure our brilliant employees not only stay at the company long-term but enable them to ascend the career ladder into leadership positions.

Flexible Working

Flexible working arrangements, such as remote working, flexible hours, and hybrid models, have emerged as important policies for fostering inclusivity in the workplace – policies that have a particular impact on women. By embracing flexibility, The Bespoke Group can accommodate diverse needs and circumstances, enabling women to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments like parental or caregiving responsibilities. Of course, we’re not implying that women should assume primary caregiving responsibilities, but it’s more commonly observed that women tend to take on this role. Offering flexibility is vital in breaking down the barriers for women that in the past have hindered career progression in the workplace, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

“After having my son, returning to the full-time role I had previously would have been extremely difficult. In fact, balancing childcare drop-offs and pick-offs between myself and my partner with 9am starts and 5:30pm finishes for both of us would have been impossible. However, I wanted to continue my career in PR and marketing at The Bespoke Group. Legally, all employees in the UK have the right to request flexible working, at The Bespoke Group this request was properly considered and ultimately approved, which enabled me to continue doing the job I love in the hours that worked for me and my family. In my opinion, equality for women is about choice and therefore, it’s imperative that women with children have the option to create the balance between work and childcare that they choose – including having their partners share the burden! Flexible working gives women this choice and therefore enables more companies to reap the benefits of retaining talented women who also want to have childcare responsibilities,” Claire Russell-Jones, Senior Account Director.

Indeed, many women have reaped the benefits of flexible working arrangements at The Bespoke Group. This approach has not only enabled the retention of skilled and experienced staff but has also empowered women within our organization. It’s worth noting that flexible working is available to men too, of course, as the aim is societal progress towards gender equality for caregiving responsibilities.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid models offer flexibility and independence to employees, allowing them to customise their work routines in line with their home arrangements. Whether it’s attending crucial meetings virtually, adjusting work hours to accommodate childcare responsibilities, or achieving a healthier work-life balance, hybrid working opens new opportunities for both women and men to thrive.

“I am extremely passionate about my responsibilities within the senior management team as well as committed to delivering quality, PR and marketing campaigns for my clients. Being successful at this takes a lot of drive, focus and dedication to the role. However, I hope it goes without saying that I also love my three kids! And they too take a lot of my focus, energy and dedication. Hybrid working and having tailored, part-time hours means that I can devote my time to the job I love but I can also do the school run every morning and 3 afternoons a week. I am there for swimming lessons, homework successes (and meltdowns!), dinners as a family and so much of the other everyday but important moments of parenthood. My partner and I both have a work-life balance that enables us both to succeed in our careers and (I hope our children would agree) at being parents,” Clare Porter, Associate Director.

Achievements of Women

By endorsing flexibility and hybrid working arrangements, The Bespoke Group has created boundless opportunity for women to excel, irrespective of personal obligations or individual situations and this has enabled more women to take on leadership roles within the company. This commitment fosters an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential, irrespective of gender. Our team at The Bespoke Group comprises amazing women, whose contributions have undeniably pushed the business forward, driving significant progress and success.

International Women’s Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and investing in women in the workplace. Through the implementation of flexible working practices and hybrid models, companies like The Bespoke Group can create an environment that facilitates women in balancing their professional and personal lives. By embracing flexibility, we not only champion women’s success but also contribute to fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.