The flexibility they offer around my role, so that I can manage these difficult periods, helps to keep me productive in my work and without this support I really think that I may be physically present at work but I certainly would not be mentally.
My manager did protected me from incoming work so that I was better able to focus on what I already had. I am still in the band I was then, and slowly moving into a better mental position regarding my role.
And that was what we did. I would have tried to carry on working – as it was, even with all her support, I felt guilty for a good few days – and if I had continued to work, my mental health might have taken a far more serious and permanent turn. Instead, I was able to focus on my husband and son and also, importantly, myself. I was able to sleep and to plan in some important health visits for my son that’d been building and worrying me. I was supported by my employer to avoid a carer crisis and I’m very grateful.
I can honestly say that if I had not had these accommodations – specifically the leave – I would not be working for my organisation now. While the other aspects of support were wonderful for supporting me and making me aware I was valued, the practical element of being able to do what I needed to do with regards to helping my mother, without juggling all the other balls that work would have required, was the absolute necessity. My company didn’t make me choose between my mother and them.