Enabling men enables everyone

By Katherine King
CEO/Co-founder of Dazychain

As a CEO working with many male colleagues, I recently had a new insight into men’s thinking on flexible workplaces. We’ve had a flexible workplace for many years. Everyone can work remotely, with flexible hours. Everyone.

Our people blend their work around their family life. The men exercise their rights too. Many men do the daily school drop-offs and pick-ups, and there is no embarrassment or concealment. Only pride in their leadership, contribution and cooperation.

Men also take time to be with their newborns, look after sick kids, or attend a partner’s appointment. Or to look after their sick cat. If they need to be with extended family overseas they can move there and continue to work remotely. No problem.

I hadn’t realised the far-reaching effects of these policies.

I asked a long-standing colleague what he likes best about working at Yarris and he said, “I get to see my children grow up”.

I had to bite my lip to keep my cool.

This style of working is sane and healthy for him and his family. He also continues to be a critical part of the business and a strong contributor to our culture. This openness creates a strong company with support for the people who want to work here. They get to be themselves and focus on what’s important.

If we enable the men, we enable the family, and we sustain the company. Simple.