The events industry ranks as the third most stressful profession globally - Returning to work can be a daunting prospect for many mothers, but especially in this climate. 

Returning to Seen Presents in April 2024, after having my son, came at a time of rapid growth for the agency. When I joined in 2022, the team consisted of just five people. By the time I went on leave, we had grown to 20, and upon my return, the team had expanded to 30 and counting. This meant that I wasn’t just stepping back into the usual fast-paced environment, but doing so in a different structure, with more new faces, and new ways of working. Despite this, I was eager to get back into my role - I loved my maternity leave and the time I spent with my son, but I missed the energy of the workplace.

Every mother’s return-to-work experience is different, so I’ve narrowed down a few key aspects which made my return smoother:

Embracing Flexibility

Switching to a four-day workweek with flexible hours has been crucial for my return. As a solo parent managing both morning and evening nursery drop-offs, this setup lets me set clear boundaries, and I’m grateful that colleagues respect my schedule, arranging meetings around my availability. In an industry where rigid 9-to-5 structures are rare, this balance helps me manage both personal and professional demands without compromise.

Keeping in Touch

During my time off, I stayed connected to the team through Keeping in Touch (KIT) days, which allowed me to participate in training, relevant business updates and quarterly meetings. Even though I wasn’t actively working, I wanted to stay up to date with developments of both the agency and our clients. My son and I were even guests at the Tommee Tippee Café the team delivered earlier this year which was a novel experience!

Strong Support Network

As a solo mum, having a strong support network, both at work and at home has been crucial. I don’t have a partner to share the load with, but my parents, friends and neighbours have been incredible. They step in when I’m on-site for projects or when I need emergency help which has helped me balance a demanding career with parenting.

At work, I feel just as supported. Seen Presents has been great when it comes to employee benefits, mental health support, and general well-being. Regular catchups with my line manager provide an opportunity to talk openly about work-related and personal challenges - feeling part of a team that genuinely cares makes all the difference.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced since returning to work has been managing the unpredictability of illnesses & childcare. There’s nothing quite as stressful as receiving a call from nursery saying your child is unwell and having to drop everything. However, I’ve learned the importance of delegating tasks and keeping my team informed for when these situations arise. I’m fortunate to work in an environment where my colleagues are willing to step in when I need to focus on my son.

I’m proud to be the first person at Seen Presents to have a child whilst working here, and I hope my experience helps pave the way for others. I believe it’s important to create an environment where people don’t feel like they have to put off having children because of the costs or pressures. Flexibility and support in the workplace should be more widespread and I’m fortunate to have had a relatively smooth experience. 

I won't sugarcoat it, it's difficult at times, you can feel like you are failing both in your role in the office and as a parent at home. Try not to judge yourself too harshly, you're adjusting to a new schedule and a new way of working that nobody can really prepare you for and give yourself credit for managing the juggle. From one working mum to another, here's the best advice I can give: Communicate openly, build a strong support network, take your time and set clear boundaries. With the right balance, you can thrive in both your career and as a mother.