James Lloyd - Changing People's Minds on Flexible Working

It is easy to imagine that post Covid-19 the flexible working argument is solved, however many line managers, senior leaders and employers still have deep-rooted fears around losing control or a perceived lack of performance.So how can we change their minds? What are the right arguments to help them to think differently?Our guest today is HR Director James Lloyd and he is incredibly honest (which makes for a really thought provoking conversation) about the fact that initially, he inwardly cringed when he was presented with flexible working requests. He very quickly did a 180 on this when he started his own family and it’s incredibly interesting to hear more about how he changed his views, and actually, how we can deal with some of the more outdated views on flexible working generally.James shares some of the persuasive arguments and practical tips that will help working parents secure the right flexible working arrangements, plus his expert advice on choosing employers who prioritise diverse working arrangements during this episode.We hope you enjoy our conversation. If you’d like to get involved in the discussion then you can tag us on LinkedIn or via Twitter @leaders_plus.Please do take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and even better, share it with 3 friends,  it really helps more people to find us.Finally, our FREE negotiating flexible working for senior roles framework is also available by clicking here. We produced this resource especially for senior leaders and it will give you a solid, step-by-step guide for making a successful flexible working request in a senior role.This episode was recorded during the COVID-19 Lockdown.Listen now in iTunes | Listen now on SpotifyAre you progressing a big career whilst raising small children? Each month we send out a helpful round-up email featuring useful info and brave new ideas for ambitious mums and dads. Sign up now.Applications are now open for our NHS FellowshipOur FMLM accredited NHS Fellowship is a career development programme for working parents in the NHS who want to lead positive change. Apply by 11/07. Find out more.

Om Podcasten

Big Careers Small Children helps ambitious parents progress careers they love whilst being present with their children. Through honest and informal conversation, senior leaders divulge what they have learnt on their own journey of combining big careers with young children to our host Verena Hefti MBE. Expect lots of aha moments, inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical support, so you can move forward in your career in a way that works for you and your family.This podcast is hosted by our social enterprise Leaders Plus. We believe that no parent should have to choose between progressing the career they love and enjoying their young children. Through the Big Careers, Small Children podcast and our award-winning Fellowship Programme, we have supported thousands of Leaders with young children to make brave decisions about their future. We unapologetically help more mums (and dads with significant caring responsibilities) to get to senior leadership positions, because only by helping parents to progress their career can we have true gender equality at the top and address the gender pay gap.Be part of our positive movement for change and sign up to receive our informative monthly emails at www.leadersplus.org.uk/newsletterWe hope you enjoy listening to our podcast and invite you to follow us on social media @leaders_plus #BigCareersSmallChildren