Thriving at home and at work: The art of flexibility
As Microsoft celebrates Families Month in April, we hear from four employees who’ve benefited from the support of the company’s ‘Families at Microsoft’ Employee Resource Group, and from Microsoft’s flexible working policies.
Hettie Holcroft: Life as a working mum
“We weren’t sure we were going to be able to have kids, so we were incredibly excited and slightly shocked when we found out I was pregnant,” says Hettie Holcroft, who has been a Microsoft UK Customer Success Account Manager for more than four years.
She immediately sought support from the ‘Families at Microsoft’ Employee Resource Group (ERG), which assigned her a mentor to offer advice before her maternity leave.
“She told me everything to think about,” says Hettie. “We talked about setting up my pension correctly; setting up my benefits correctly, and ensuring my daughter went to nursery at least a month before I returned to work, to get any bugs out of the way!”
“I feel lucky that, with Microsoft, I have the ability to work remotely or do flexible hours “
Hettie says the support offered by a mentor who had “been through that experience” was “invaluable” and that Microsoft’s flexible working practices gave her “great comfort”.
“I feel lucky that, with Microsoft, I have the ability to work remotely or do flexible hours. As long as I achieve what I need to, and my customers get what they need from me, I’m trusted to work in the way I need to.
“For that, I’m really grateful.”
Phil Bailey: Balancing full-time work alongside being a carer
In 2016, Microsoft Account Executive Phil Bailey received the devastating news that his mum had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, with a typical life expectancy of around two to three years.
Phil had to take on the role of carer while also holding down a full-time job.
“My manager suggested that I got in touch with the Carers UK community, a sub-group of the ‘Families at Microsoft’ ERG.
“That was a pivotal moment for me because it wasn’t until that point I really thought of the work I was doing with mum as that of a carer.”
“flexible working…really helped me balance my commitments both in and out of work“
Like others, Phil found solace in finding a community of people to share his experiences with.
“Firstly, it was a relief to know that I wasn’t on my own. It helped knowing there were other people within the Microsoft UK family who were in the same boat as me.”
Phil also highlights the importance of fostering an environment where employees with family commitments feel safe to ask for help.
“I was reassured that it was possible to juggle what I wanted to do outside of work, while still having an impact for the company and growing my career.
“The community provided me with the confidence to ask for the help I needed to balance both my Microsoft and my caring work. That took form in flexible working, which really helped me balance my commitments both in and out of work.”
Despite the initial prognosis, Phil says: “We were incredibly fortunate to have seven more years with mum.”
Joe Dolan: Our journey through Freddie’s premature birth
Freddie Dolan was born three months early at 27 weeks, weighing just 1lb 10oz.
“Freddie’s premature arrival thrust us into a world of incubators, ventilators, and constant uncertainty,” recalls dad, Joe Dolan.
Senior Sales Manager Joe and partner Steph found that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit became their second home, filled with hope and fear. Every day felt like a “battle of uncertainty, worry, and exhaustion”, says Joe, balancing work and round-the-clock care for Freddie.
“we came out stronger, more connected, and with an unshakeable bond“
With Steph not returning to work, Microsoft’s flexible work policies played a crucial role for Joe during this challenging time, allowing him to be with Freddie in the mornings and late into the evenings.
“Steph’s unwavering commitment to being by Freddie’s side, coupled with my role at work, created a shared sense of purpose,” says Joe.
“Her strength, patience, and resilience were awe-inspiring. Mental wellness during this time was about survival and supporting each other.”
Looking back 10 years later, Joe notes how much things have changed: “Freddie is thriving beyond our wildest dreams. As Dr Seuss said, ‘Kid, you’ll move mountains’.
“Freddie proves those words true every day, tackling every challenge with emotional intelligence and resilience.
“Looking back, we know we came out stronger, more connected, and with an unshakeable bond.”
Vicky Ryder: Finding a safe space to talk
Vicky Ryder, a Senior Strategic Account Executive who has been at Microsoft for eight years, discovered the Families at Microsoft ERG after having a miscarriage.
“I was lonely. I was grieving. I felt many, many, many emotions that I didn’t know how to process,” recalls Vicky, “and I did want to talk about it, but didn’t know where I could.
“I found the Families ERG as it was being created [in 2022] and I’ve been part of this wonderful community since the beginning.”
Through her work with the ERG, Vicky has formed deep connections with many people across the business, she says. It has enabled her “not only give something back, but to know that we, as a family, are really making a difference”.
“I’ve been part of this wonderful community since the beginning“
Providing a safe space where people can connect, be together, or simply just talk has been transformative, she says.
Support and flexibility
Orla McGrath, ‘Families at Microsoft’ Executive Sponsor and Global Partner Solutions Lead, said: “The stories shared by Hettie, Phil, Joe, and Vicky illustrate the profound impact of a supportive and flexible work environment.
“Their experiences highlight the importance of community, understanding, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of balancing work and family life.”
The 2020 Modern Families Index report (Working Families and Bright Horizons Family Solutions) found that 55% of working parents in the UK struggle to balance work and family life.
“Empowering employees to work flexibly enables them to thrive both at home and at work“
Carers UK highlights that around 3 million carers aged 16 and over in the UK are in paid employment, while 2.6 million people have given up work to care for someone.
Microsoft promotes a flexible work environment that allows employees to manage their work and personal commitments effectively, says Orla.
“Empowering employees to work flexibly enables them to thrive both at home and at work.
“By embracing a culture of trust and support, organisations can help their employees find harmony, leading to stronger, more connected, and ultimately more fulfilled individuals.
“This includes options for remote work, flexible hours, and support for employees who need to take time off for family-related matters.”