We spoke with Jeanette Alfodi, a Senior Business Architect who has spent more than 20 years at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, to explore how flexible working has enriched both her professional and personal life—and why she believes more organisations should adopt a similar approach.
How does your company support flexible working?
I work flexibly in two ways, firstly compressed hours, I do a 32-hour week over 4 days. Secondly I work at home 2-3 day a week. I find this is a great balance for me.
How has flexible working benefited your career and personal life?
Let me count the ways! There is so much debate in the news about a four-day working week and a drop in productivity. I completely disagree. Many families require both parents to work for financial as well as other reasons. This (can) have a huge impact people and on family life. On top of burn out I know I carried enormous guilt about not being able to ‘be there’ for my daughter for events such as school assemblies and sports day, as well as not having the energy to give her the time and attention she needs. Dropping 3 hours over a week and keeping one day clear means I can deal with life admin on my day off work, it is often the busiest day of the week for me. Consequently, when it comes to the weekend we can enjoy time together as a family.
What challenges exist in remote/hybrid working for women in tech?
Relationship building IS more challenging online rather than in person, and for me this is a critical part of what I see as one of my skills. Connecting with people on a human level, spending those 2 mins to ask about something in someone’s life I find enormously beneficial to more effective working. We cannot escape that about remote working, but we can be aware and make the effort to build those online relationships.
Do you think flexible working is key to retaining diverse talent?
How can it not be? There is a wide range of reasons why employing people on a flexible basis is a great idea. Great talent, particularly those in Technology, whose skills are in such great demand, is hard to attract. People will inevitably be able to earn more elsewhere, we are not a Tech giant, but will they be able to spend more time on the things that are important to them? Probably not. I see it as a critical part of the value proposition of working for Cambridge University Press & Assessment
What advice would you give to companies implementing flexible policies?
Do not think people will be less productive in their roles. People have said to me that they had no idea I was ‘part-time’. I love this, it means I’m recognised as an engaged energetic employee, doing a good job at a bargain price! I would recommend to any employer to try different things, see what works, don’t say no straight away to reasonable requests, keep the conversation going and you will have a loyal workforce who work hard.
Have you noticed an increase in diversity due to hybrid/remote options?
I have been lucky enough in my roles to meet some exceptional colleagues, with many different ways of thinking, who have taught me so much about different aspects of Technology. Many of these colleagues I have never met in person as they are fully remote. Without Cambridge University Press & Assessment allowing people that flexibility we might never have been able to find such great talent. I am truly grateful for all the learning opportunities I have been given.
How does flexibility impact productivity and collaboration?
The flexibility I have allows me to really ‘turn up’ fully when I am at work. It gives me the ability to balance my priorities meaning I have the energy to be totally present at work. This is essential when you are thinking on your feet, working with others to find creative solutions.
What tools or practices help you manage remote work effectively?
Online collaboration in my role is essential, so a reliable system such as Teams for communication is critical. I also use online tools such a Miro so I can run remote workshops. I do come in once or twice a week and try to fit most of my meetings into those days. I do my thinking work more often at home, as an open plan office with lots of people on calls around me is not always conducive to great output.
Do you think flexible working should be standard in tech?
Absolutely. This is both because the world has changed both in terms of economic pressure on families and what CAN be achieved remotely. Work needs to catch up.
What are your top tips for maintaining work-life balance in tech
I know what keeps me sane, it is having time to do all the things I absolutely have to do outside of work. When I know that side of my life is under control, I am in a much better place to work more effectively. It is about understanding what it is you need and making it happen.
