Balancing Career and Family: Kerry’s Journey with Flexible Working at RSSB

For over two decades, working at RSSB has been more than just a job for long-time employee Kerry Dolan—it's been a journey of balancing career and family.

In this interview, Kerry shares her personal story of how flexible working has allowed her to juggle her role as a dedicated professional and a hands-on parent. From adjusting her schedule to be there for her children during their early years, to taking full advantage of the smart working policy, Kerry's experience underscores the profound impact of flexibility on employee satisfaction and productivity at RSSB.

 

 

• What has flexible working at RSSB meant for you?

I have worked for RSSB since the 2002 (part of the furniture some might say!) and there are many different reasons why I have stayed with the company, one of which is the opportunity to work flexibly. When I had both my children, I wanted to be able to be a mum and continue working. The flexibility around the way I worked my hours allowed me to do just that. When my children were young, I was in a role whereby I could reduce my hours and work from home two days/week. This meant that I could take or collect from nursey/school and even when I was in the office, I could get back in time for dinner and bedtime. 

As my children have got older, I have increased my hours again and now manage my working hours between term and holiday periods - again allowing me to be around when my children need me  - to help with homework, provide the taxi service to friends and clubs, cook the dinner and spend time together. Being a working parent is always going to be a juggle, but being able to manage my time in a way that allows me to successfully deliver my job and be a mum is such a gift. 
 

• What benefit do you think there are to others and RSSB? 

I think we have all seen the benefits of flexibility during the pandemic - recognising that people can deliver for the business without having to rigidly stick to the 9-5 model. I can only speak for myself, but because RSSB has allowed me this flexibility they get the best out of me. I am motivated and loyal, contentious and appreciative of the trust that is afforded to me. 

 

• How are you taking advantage of the smart working policy? 

Smart working gives me even more control of how I manage my work/life balance. Before I had a flexible working arrangement that allowed me to work from home on set days per week. With smart working, there is more flexibility in terms of which days I can work from home. 
 

• What has it enabled you to do differently? 

This really helps as I still want to be able to take/collect my children from school, attend the after school football games to cheer my daughter on and be around for family meals. 
 

• How has the smart working changed the culture at RSSB?

Pre-pandemic, working from home was seen as a rarity - One off days 'approved' if there was good reason (an appointment, a service visit etc) unless you were contractually a home worker, or had a flexible working arrangement. Now, post pandemic, I feel that most businesses including RSSB have seen that hybrid working can bring significant benefits to business. Smart working has had a positive impact on the culture at RSSB by giving employees the tools to manage their own work-life balance. 
Speaking personally, the flexibility makes me more motivated and conscientious.  I don't miss the commute and appreciate the benefits of reduced travel - in terms of the environment (no more driving to the station) and financially. I find it easier to concentrate at home and as I mentioned before, I can make choices that benefit my family.  On the flip side, it is also important to recognise that working from home isn't for everyone and smart working gives people choice. I see that choice as one of the ingredients of a happy and balanced workplace culture at RSSB. 

 

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