Flexibility is key
Finding a routine and organizing their schedules have helped many moms stay on top of their personal and professional commitments. Violet, a partner in Hong Kong and a mom of two, shares:
“At McKinsey, I have the flexibility to choose to work on things I’m passionate about and stay away from topics that don’t play to my strengths. I can do this while controlling my schedule for things like choosing when to pick up my daughters from school.”
Vidya, a partner in Sri Lanka, had both her daughters while working at McKinsey. She used several of our flexibility programs, including part-time, remote, and Ramp Off, Ramp On, which is a program that provides expectant mothers with advice, support, and information so they can prepare for an extended leave and return smoothly, to balance work and motherhood. Along the way, she learned how to “articulate my priorities and boundaries with my colleagues and clients so they can help me help myself. She adds: “Don’t to hesitate to ask for help, opportunities or flexibility. If my colleagues and clients don't know what I need, they can't help.”
Our formal flexibility programs are just one of many kinds of support moms get at McKinsey. Customized working schedules and team support came up numerous times when we asked about juggling motherhood and a career. Ashley, a Cleveland-based engagement manager, has, “always treasured having my weekends free to focus on my family. We recently added a daughter to the mix. As I was getting ready to return from five months of maternity leave, everyone asked me if I was ready or if I needed more time and they encouraged me to do whatever was right for my family and me. The people at McKinsey are amazingly supportive; I've always felt my lifestyle goals and needs are respected and celebrated.”
Parental perks that matter
For some, McKinsey support policies and programs were crucial to building a family and recharging before returning to work. Meri, an executive assistant in Tampa and her husband, used the firm’s fertility benefits and they’re now parents to two beautiful children.
For Tatiana, an engagement manager in Rio de Janeiro, “McKinsey gave me tools to reconcile mom life (with twins!) with my professional passion. From the beginning, I've counted on support through formal policies such as extended maternity leave, a reduced workload, and mentoring programs. In addition, I've found a platform to work on gender equity and countless inspiring women in leadership.”
Maital, a senior manager from Atlanta, just returned from her second maternity leave. She took additional time off through our caregiver support program: “Our second baby was born during COVID-19, and the extra time gave me a chance to be fully present with my boys. We have enjoyed lots of outdoor, COVID-friendly activities, like playing and visiting a little park with hiking trails and a creek by our house.”
Connectedness and gratitude
The past year was challenging for everyone but research shows mothers were particularly affected by the pandemic. Many working mothers at the firm found silver linings in being present in the moment and enjoying a slightly simpler time in some ways.
For Amanda, a diversity recruiter in Sao Paulo: “Balancing the demands of working from home, homeschooling, and regular home management tasks is not easy, but it is very good to be closer to my family and enjoy simple day-to-day moments. Having flexibility in relation to working hours and the support of my team has been fundamental for things to work over the last year in particular.”
Sheila, an executive assistant and visual graphics supervisor, learned to, “see simple things in life from another angle and give importance to what really matters,” from her daughter, Bella. “Having her next to me and feeling her hugs makes me more complete.”
From maternity leave straight into a virtual world..
..might seem like a frightening scenario but our mothers prove their resilience. Erika, a recruiter from Washington, D.C. shares: “McKinsey makes being a first-time, pandemic pregnancy working-at-home, military spouse mom easier than I could have imagined. I walked into a virtual world that has been flexible, supportive, and encouraging. My worries were gently erased as I reconnected with my teams and everyone reassured me it was ok to take my time transitioning back to work.”
Aliyah, an associate in Johannesburg, who became a mom in January 2020, adds: “I miss the banter and intensity of being in a team room, but I love being home to witness the incredible flowering my tiny human has done over the last year. I went from taking breaks between calls and analyses to stand over a four-month old's bassinet, breathing in her intoxicating smell, to having a whole human run into my arms to give me a tight hug.”
Marie, the director of European and global women and diversity recruiting, has experienced “the many joys of seeing my children more during COVID-19 and working from home...I love seeing my children more during these days than I normally would. We have a nice routine that they 'pick me up' from my home office for dinner at 6pm sharp every evening. Unfortunately, they don’t care if I am done with my Zoom meetings or not…”
Some other lessons learned through the pandemic was to be authentic, honest and … vulnerable. Marissa, a crisis response leader, used to worry about one of her three children being audible on a work call. “But I recently hosted a global COVID-19 response call with 30 firm leaders and colleagues with my daughter sitting on my lap the entire time. People were wrapping up their segments saying 'I hope Aurora agrees,' and she was thrilled. The reality is: I would not have done that a year ago. But that morning I had no choice and my colleagues understood and didn’t miss a beat.”
Whether it’s through our official programs, team creativity or mindfulness, it’s heart-warming to see the strong and amazing mothers we have at the firm. Here’s to all mothers: for your authenticity, tirelessness and being an inspiration to others.
P.S. Check here for a bonus on why it’s best to be a McKinsey parent.