A balanced approach

It’s Flexible Working Day on 21 June. Hear from ACU working parent Bethany Hawkins on how flexibility in the workplace helps her strike a balance.

For Bethany Hawkins, flexible working is one of the ways she keeps her work and home life on track.

“As I’m sure all working parents have experienced, it can be a juggling act at times,” Bethany said. “Having the opportunity to work flexibly has definitely made life more manageable.”

Bethany is ACU’s Internal Communications and Engagement Manager. She is also known by her other title ‘mum’ to Abigail, 4, and Violet, 1.

Bethany said flexible working was a key factor in her successful return to work after having both her children.

When planning her return to work after having her first child she spoke with her supervisor about moving from full-time to a part-time fraction, and now works a four-day week.

"Having a day each week to spend with my children while they are still so young has been very important to me and has allowed us to continue activities like playgroup together,” Bethany said.

Bethany has also benefitted from ACU’s approach to remote working and found it has helped her to strike the right balance.

"I enjoy being in the office, seeing team members face-to-face and bumping into colleagues. Likewise, working from home on some days means I have more time with my kids in the mornings and can take care of childcare drop-off and pick-up.”

While life is busier than it has ever been, Bethany said she has felt very supported as she transitioned back to work for a second time.

"I feel fortunate to work for an organisation with such generous parental leave provisions and support for staff members with caring responsibilities,” Bethany said.

"Likewise, I am very grateful to my team and supervisor, who have been supportive and encouraging during every step of my parenthood journey.”

Flexible working at ACU

It’s Flexible Working Day on Friday 21 June. Find out more about the flexible working options available at ACU.

Share your story

We are on a mission to shine a light on the incredible support we offer each other at ACU to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment. Are you a working parent, a grandparent, looking after elderly or sick parents, or navigating a child or family member with diverse needs? If you have a story to share about how you have been supported, please email the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) team at GEDI@acu.edu.au.

Support for working parents

• ACU Working Parents Workplace group
• Flexible working
• Parental Leave Policy
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Celebrating Inclusion Calendar 2024