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Why Sustainability Must Strike at the Heart of Our Projects
JUGGLING MOTHERHOOD
Iwon’t lie to you, being a working mum is tough. On any given day I wear several hats; mum, wife, employee, friend, daughter, sister etc. I constantly feel like I am failing at each one. Even sitting here writing this article I am thinking about the ten other things that I should be doing instead. I am sure many other parents feel the same but then again other people might not. That is the beauty of motherhood. It is a unique experience for each person and here is a bit of insight about mine.
I have a 2 year old daughter who has brought immense joy to my life but has turned it upside down in the process. She is a little firecracker. Sure, some days I wish I could lie in bed and just read a good book, but I am so grateful for the life I have.
Introduction of maternity leave policies in the construction industry needs to increase
When I found out I was pregnant I wondered how I would cope; both financially, and emotionally. How it would affect my career, how long I should take maternity leave and about what pay I would (not) receive during that time. I was on a temporary VISA so had no entitlements. I knew the company I was working for thankfully had a paid maternity leave policy (12 weeks full pay). The Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s 2020-21 employer census1 found that just 43% of construction companies offer paid parental leave. Those statistics explain why women fail to enter and remain in the construction industry and needs to change.
A different way of working
I found it tough returning to work at first, my daughter crying at daycare drop off, managing sleep deprivation, dealing with a new routine, leaving work in time for pick up and the many illnesses that crop up with having a child at daycare. On the plus side returning to work meant I could have adult conversations, use my mind in a different way and finally go to the loo in peace!
Part time working offered me benefits in terms of increased amount of family time, however there are the pitfalls of reduced pay, managing my workload over less days and wondering how being part time would affect any future chances of promotion.
Grab that opportunity!
I returned to work with a different perspective and outlook on my career. My desire and passion to succeed was ignited, my confidence and belief in myself has grown. I feel more determined to succeed as a Woman of Colour in the construction industry. According to The WGEA 2020-21 employer census the industry gender pay gap is 30.6%, WGEA states that women from “diverse groups can face multiple and compounding disadvantages when participating and progressing in the labour force.” 1 It makes me grateful for organisations such as NAWIC and Women of Colour Australia who are working on improving diversity and inclusion in Australia.
Women often play it safe, are afraid to take up new challenges or may feel that they are not good enough. As women we need to have more belief in ourselves and grab every opportunity. This is the reason I took up a new role as Associate Director at RPS, where I will be part of helping to grow the newly established Cost Advisory Team. I am excited and looking forward to this new challenge.
1. WGEA’s dataset is based on reports submitted in accordance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 for the reporting period 1 April to 31 March. Under the Act, non-public sector employers with 100 or more employees must submit their gender equality metrics to WGEA annually. https://www.wgea.gov.au/publications/australias-gender-equality-scorecard
Motherhood is a superpower
I believe being a mother is a superpower. Companies should embrace mothers in their organisations as they have many heightened skills that would benefit workplaces.
⋅Organisation and prioritisation skills – As a parent being organised is vital. There is a lot of juggling involved. I project manage the day as best I can so that I can be as efficient as possible. Sometimes things may be missed e.g. when I arrived at daycare and all the children except my daughter were dressed up for book week … It felt like an epic fail!! ⋅ Time management – My time management has improved greatly as due to working part time I have a reduced amount of time to meet due dates and ensure my clients are happy. However, the unexpected can happen e.g. an unplanned daycare closure. It was stressful thinking of what we would do, how we could cope managing work and childcare. We were fortunate to find temporary childcare a few days later, that turned permanent as our daughter thrived there. A blessing in disguise.
⋅Negotiation skills – I have become very adept at negotiating with a 2 year old so having to deal with full grown adults is a piece of cake! ⋅ Empathy – I have always enjoyed socialising and meeting new people. I believe that I now have even more empathy for others and I am more acutely aware of how people are feeling. This can only be a benefit in a company where you have a diverse mix of people.
Dream big
As women we must not be afraid to dream big. The possibilities are endless in the construction industry. Companies need to ensure they are doing enough to attract and retain women. This could be by offering paid parental leave (for both parents) or by providing a flexible working environment. I was once asked what is my priority, my family life or my career? I responded by saying both. I do not believe that because I am a mum that I can no longer focus on my career. Both family and a career are important to me and focusing on both makes me a better parent and employee. I want to set a good example to my daughter and hopefully make her proud in the process.
Leonie Quinn, Shraddha Birla, Nichole Louie & Vanessa Hetherington.
Vanessa Hetherington
