Integral Ad Science’s Jessica Miles Shares Her Experiences Balancing Work As A New Mum
In this guest post, Jessica Miles, Country Manager ANZ at Integral Ad Science has shared her experience of working while being a new mum, and it’s a cracker.
No one can prepare you for the whirlwind of motherhood. As a first-time mum, I found myself stepping into the unknown. I relished in the beauty and excitement of being a new mum but also wondered how I could ever return to normality on such broken sleep!
During my many days and nights on mat leave, changing diapers, consoling a crying baby, and trying to find a new rhythm to my life I reflected on my job, my career, and my industry, reassessing my priorities. How could I balance my career and being a mum in the ever-changing landscape brought on by COVID? For IWD 2022, #breakthebias I wanted to share my top two reflections:
Work From Home – The new era of workplace flexibility
We have emerged from two years of lockdown and a forced, global work-from-home experiment. Whilst lockdown and the pandemic have had a host of negative impacts on families, it has brought about a new era of workplace flexibility and caretaking.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians value the additional time they spend with family and friends which is a direct result of working from home. To further support this, research from the Productivity Commission found that “productivity will remain the same or improve under more widespread working from home”.
When I reflect on my experience of returning to work, the silver lining to COVID is that our industry has proven it can be extremely efficient in supporting hybrid office/ home working environments. Returning to work in this current environment has enabled me to return in a full-time capacity, drive career growth, continue to forge connections with my team and colleagues within media, and balance this with being a happy and satisfied mum.
This would have been extremely difficult to achieve pre-COVID. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) recommends that businesses should consider flexibility over and above hybrid working arrangements. Flexibility can involve offering movable start and finish times to accommodate other commitments, or offering compressed working weeks. It’s important that we champion this type of flexibility but also keep in mind some unavoidable biases that can creep back in when supporting this kind of working model such as:
Proximity bias: The WGEA details the concept of ‘proximity bias’. We all have different needs and obligations that will determine how frequently we choose to be in the office. Those who choose to work more flexibly than others must continue to be afforded the same opportunities for collaboration and career progression. As leaders, we need to be aware that effort and success are not measured by how many days someone attends the office but rather their personal progress to their business goals as well as their dedication and contribution to the business.
Beliefs bias: Lockdowns and vaccinations proved divisive and continue to be a source of awkwardness at best, anxiety driving at worst. It’s easy to fall victim to ‘herd mentality especially when your herd is the dominant one. As we return to the office, supporting hybrid and flexible workplaces it’s important to accommodate those with differing views and demonstrate true flexibility by embracing diversity. Diversity is the key to progress and diversity spans not only gender but also beliefs.
Women leaders and their shared experiences
A lack of female representation in leadership can mean culture, direction and policies ignore the issues women are facing and can prevent women from even getting to board level in the first place. There’s a name for this problem and it’s called “the broken rung.” The only way to fix it is for businesses to treat diversity and inclusion as a top priority.
Research shows that recruiting and advancing women is not just the right thing to do, but is actually better for business. Companies that have more women in leadership roles are 25% more likely to financially outperform their competitors.
This IWD we are breaking the bias and fighting for more diverse, inclusive and fair working environments. My challenge to both myself and all of you is to keep this conversation alive. Ensure your own organization is reporting on its gender pay gap and demand policies to overcome it. Campaign for better parental leave policies and inclusion training. Every company that changes sets the standard for others to follow. We all have a voice and now is the time to use it.
An approachable leader may not only see improved retention of talented employees but also better enable each employee to reach their full potential. Motherhood has taught me not to fear the unknown but instead embrace the journey of learning on the go! Enjoy the fulfilling feeling of “figuring it out” and use that energy and motivation to tackle the next challenge!
Latest News
‘Blair Is Mr Happy, Beau Is Mr Dopey, I’m Mr Grumpy’ – Top Gear Australia Hosts Reveal What It Was Really Like Filming
Top Gear features the cars you could never afford to drive. It's a bit like the bogan's Gourmet Traveller, really.
Nine’s Total TV Sales Lead Richard Hunwick To Step Down
Nine's Richard Hunwick calls time after 15 years. Hoping for a last trip to the Olympics before getting the gold watch.
Yahoo Academy Culminates With Pitch-Off For Musicians Making A Difference With Trip To Cannes In Cairns On The Line
B&T happy to support the Musicians Making A Difference initiative. Particularly any that encourages more Watusi.
TV Ratings 16/5/24: Nearly 2 Million Tune In To See Sky Blues Win In Women’s State Of Origin
B&T does make jokes about the Budget reply speech but, to his credit, Mr Potato Head rated OK last night.
Binge Launches “Scene:Scents” Sensory Entertainment Campaign, Via Thinkerbell
There's now scented candles to pair with BINGE shows. We're hoping Rex Hunt's Fishing Adventures doesn't hear about it.
Jolt Partners With Veridooh For Verification Of Its EV Charger Placements In UK
Although B&T's an avid supporter of EV cars, we'd definitely miss the smell of petrol and the service station pie.
Nine Ad Manager Named Principal Sponsor Of CommBank SmallBiz Week
CommBank's SmallBiz Week is coming to Melbourne on the 29-30 May. B&T's as confused as you are on how that's a week.
Pet Circle & Seven Communications Partner On “Pawtition” To Get Pets On Public Transport
B&T's concerned about the fleas, urine & faeces on public transport - and that's just from fellow passengers!
‘A Win-Win’ – How The Matildas Helped CommBank Become A ‘Globally Iconic Brand’ For The First Time
CommBank's sponsorship of the Matildas is a sport marketing masterclass. The opposite to Nick Kyrgios & his sponsors.
VML Australia Dominates The One Show With 5 Gold Pencils
VML Australia flying the flag at the One Show Awards in New York. Not that we need more flag waving at the moment.
Social Soup: Consumers Looking For “Informative” Not “Funny” Social Content When Making Buying Decisions
In a further blow to ventriloquism everywhere, new research says consumers prefer information over funny videos.
GIO Unveils New “Protect Precious” Brand Positioning & Campaign, Via Ogilvy
Insurer asks what's precious in our lives in new work. Which is better than asking is this business highly flammable.
Digitas & Heckler Singapore Launch Animated Symphony For Riot Game’s Valorant Champions Tour Pacific
Stony silence between you and the graphic arts team at Friday drinks? This gaming news could be an ice breaker.
Wavemaker Global CEO Toby Jenner Appointed Global President, GroupM Clients
Wavemaker’s Toby Jenner continues his career trajectory. But is it enough to move him up to the first class lounge?
Fast 10: Mindshare Head Honcho Maria Grivas On Her “Resting Smiling Face”
Mindshare is having a very fruitful 2024. Here, CEO Maria Grivas reveals her fertilisers & pruning tips to success.
Real Home Care Clients & Staff Star In New HammondCare Campaign
Aged care commercial uses real life clients & staff. B&T has not contacted the actor's union for comment.
Mutinex’s Henry Innis: “I’m Imperfect As A Leader”
Mutinex is being touted as one of the hottest start-ups in the land. And we don't mean that in an Elizabeth Holmes way.
Slew Of Senior Hires At Sparro by Brainlabs & Jack Nimble
B&T loves to report new hires as it shows the healthy state of the industry. That and cocaine usage at work functions.
Initiative’s Fein, Geer, Colter To Depart For Accenture Song
As you read first in B&T, there are significant comings-and-goings at Initiative. Though mainly goings, if we're honest.
Pizza Hut Fined $2.5m For Spamming Customers
To be honest, if you're going to spam customers, cheap pizza deals is probably on the low side of the dodgy scale.
Jetstar & Qantas Perception Ratings Soar After Bonza Cancelled Flights, YouGov Finds
This poll is further proof nothing builds a positive brand image like your competitor monumentally f@cking up.
Pedigree Launches AI-Powered Ad Initiative To Give All Dogs A Home, Via Colenso BBDO & Nexus Studios
B&T encourages this dog adoption initiative. And that's despite us barely being able to look after our own selves.
Apparent Launches “All Heart, No hassle” Integrated Campaign For Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Apparent charged with Flight Centre's Corporate Traveller creative. Has avoided any gags about stolen hotel bathrobes.
South African Tourism CMO: ‘We Want Consumers To Experience SA Through The Eyes Of A Child’
B&T chats with South African tourism's Aussie CMO. Admittedly, we had to quickly rectify our Barossa Valley questions.
Market Research Firm TRA Names KFC’s “Look On the Fried Side Of Life” As Australia’s Favourite Ad
A poll of everyday Aussies has revealed our favourite ads. And it'll make difficult reading for the Harvey Norman team.
‘A Big, Big Step In The Right Direction’: Media Buyers React To News Corp’s D_Coded
There was a universal thumbs up for News' D_Coded event. Although there were calls for glitter bombs at the finale.
CommBank Announced As Presenting Partner Of Vogue Codes 2024
Vogue Codes is a top initiative encouraging women into STEM-based careers. All while wearing Jimmy Choos, apparently.
Brad Garbutt Joins OMA As Marketing Lead
Seasoned adlander Garbutt joins the outdoor association. Says he's got the DOOH down pat, but working on the PDOOH.
TV Ratings 15/5/24: Gruen Pulls A Crowd For Aunty As It Enters 16th Season
Although B&T typically shuns predictions, we're expecting big numbers for Peter Dutton's Budget reply speech tonight.
D_Coded panel: ‘If You Are A Marketer Handling Data And Haven’t Spoken To Legal, You’re In Trouble’
This fiery panel was a highlight of Tuesday's D_Coded event. Not that it spilled out into the carpark.
SBS Audio Campaign Tells The Stories Of New Australians, With Multilingual Content Offerings To Assist Migrants
SBS Audio has launched a new marketing campaign for its ‘Australia Explained’ service which supports new migrants to successfully navigate life in Australia and achieve a greater sense of belonging and social cohesion. SBS’s flagship service for new migrants, Australia explained, has launched a multi-platform marketing campaign that reaches into the heart of the migrant […]
Tracker App Launches, Promising Consumers A Read On Brand’s & Products Sustainability Chops
Shoppers can now get access to sustainability information at their fingertips through Tracker, a first-of-its-kind mobile app. The Tracker app centralises sustainability data into a single, easy-to-understand format, helping shoppers make informed choices about the brands and products they support. Shoppers can simply scan the barcode of their favourite supermarket, chemist or department store item […]
Channel Factory Expands Team Across Australia & New Zealand By 20%
Social media agency Channel Factory announces a significant lift in staff numbers. Doesn't thank Tuesday's Budget.
Jaywing Extends Strategy Team Appointing Fran Martin As Senior Brand Strategist
As is often said, you can never have too much strategy. Same can't be said of programmatic & AI.
Tourism Tasmania Taps Broadsheet For Latest “Off Season” Campaign Iteration
Do you like to drape yourself in sheepskin, flannelette & weird, wooly hats? Tasmania in winter is for you.
Netball WA Appoints 303 MullenLowe As Brand Strategy partner
Netball WA appoints 303 MullenLowe for its brand strategy. Any mention of Gina also now strictly forbidden.