We’re not abusing remote working – it’s a lifeline for carers like me

Rather than suggesting employees aren’t pulling their weight when working from home, which simply isn’t true, sceptics should consider that their lived experience might not match other people’s, writes Ruth Rainbow

‘As a professional, remote working has opened up new opportunities for me to engage with my colleagues across the UK’ (PA)

This week, remote working has again been in the spotlight after city bosses declared it unproductive. But for many women, carers and those with additional responsibilities, remote working has been an opportunity to find balance and thrive.

After I graduated, I worked in an agency environment for over a decade. I loved the long days, late nights and high salary. I remember what it’s like having those kinds of privileges and pressures. But all that stopped when my son was diagnosed as autistic and dyspraxic. In addition to being a full-time professional, I was suddenly a carer too. My working world was never the same again.

Having to care for my children meant that I was left out of the everyday in-person interactions that can make or break a career. My responsibilities mean I’ve had to take roles within a two or three-mile radius of school, and it’s limited what I’ve been able to do professionally.

If I get a phone call from school saying my kids are distressed, I need to leave straight away. I have to carefully consider every job opportunity based on what I am able to juggle, not what I’m capable of doing or where it may take my career, until the shift to working from home.

Like many, I experienced the pandemic not only as a professional, but as a carer and parent. Having to do a full-time job while educating two children was tough, but I’m privileged to have a job that I can do from home, with access to tech equipment and fast broadband for my kids to learn. The reality for many others with much less has been far harder.

As a professional, remote working has also opened up new opportunities for me to engage with my colleagues across the UK. The switch to remote and hybrid working means that I’ve been able to form relationships with colleagues and work effectively without needing to be in person. The breadth of interaction I have with my team and the broader business is the best it’s ever been. And frankly, I’m getting more work done as a result.

I’m no longer the mum who has to start work early so I can run out of the office to get back to the childminder. I spent 10 years apologising for not being there. Having those handcuffs removed has transformed my ability to parent and do my job.

I’m not the only person that hybrid working has opened doors for. A study from Virgin Media O2 Business shows that there are more than half a million carers like me and 1.5 million disabled people who would happily take on more work if the job allowed them to work remotely.

Rather than suggesting employees aren’t pulling their weight when working from home, which simply isn’t true, sceptics should consider that their lived experience might not match other people’s. And that a dogmatic insistence on working in the office means they’re missing out on talented people and sustainable business growth.

Right now, there’s a culture shift needed – towards workplaces where employees feel empowered and can work productively and effectively, no matter where they are based. With the right policy and tools in place, businesses will get even more from their employees.

So rather than rushing back to old ways of working and demeaning people who need to work more flexibly, perhaps it’s time to embrace a more inclusive and productive way of working.