Babies in the office

[Tara1985]

Anyone watching this?

I like the idea but seriously how can this work? My work had an in campus nursary but due to government cuts will be closed when I return from MAT leave

 

[Asd1]

I work in retail management and I'm on shop floor for 90% of that so for me that wouldn't work lol I also kind of think it's a cheeky way to get all women to return to work after baby but it would work for those that say work in offices and want to reduce child care costs

 

[claire671]

Kind of a bizarre program, I see both sides. It obviously worked well in the office environment but don't really see it being useful in other places of work...interesting viewing though and good for that firm on starting something new!

 

[Tara1985]

I work in retail management and I'm on shop floor for 90% of that so for me that wouldn't work lol I also kind of think it's a cheeky way to get all women to return to work after baby but it would work for those that say work in offices and want to reduce child care costs

I never thugh about it that way. You are so right, they probably would expect you back at work sooner and yep it would only work in an office

In fairness I think Addison Lee (the company) came to a good compromise in the end. Babies up to year can stay at the desk with mum/dad and then after 1 year of age will go to their on campus nursary. I just don't know how realistically it would work with baby at the desk screaming out of boredom, teething, hunger etc - especially if you are stuck on the phone...

 

[Titch85]

I've been watching this, I can't decide if I like the idea or not? A lot of parents I've spoken to have said they like going back to work because it's easier than being a stay at home parent. So I imagine it must be hard trying to be a parent while working at the same time?

I think the best outcome would be cheaper child care.

 

[dyscochick]

I agree i thought they came to a good compromise. I would quite like to do the same, and possibly could but would need childcare during teaching cos I couldn't take a child into a 2 hour lecture! (well i could if it slept but unlikely to do that for 2 hours!). DH had just said we could deconflict and he could cover (think he quite likes the idea!)

 

[Jajis]

I only saw a bit of it but I really don't understand how it would work. I work in a relatively small office numbers wise, but there's plenty of physical space so it could work, but realistically I just don't think I'd get any work done and it'd end up disturbing my colleagues as well. An onsite crèche however, would be brilliant.

My OH was talking about the possibility of working from home one day a week so he could look after our LO, but I don't even think that would work - you have to be pretty organised and concentrate hard to work from home in the first place and if you were constantly having to get up to feed / change / entertain a baby then I just don't think you'd get anything done.

Nursery provision in this country is crap and expensive compared to many other European countries, and I really wish it was going to be possible to take my LO to work with me when I go back, but I just don't think it would work.

 

[Tara1985]

I agree Jajis. I love the idea but don't think I would get any work done and I would also worry about my child being bored sitting in a bouncer etc. I applaud Addison Lee for their forward thinking however.

We all have to work it seems yet like you said there is not much provision for working parents. My salary will mostly be taken up in nursary fees. I often ask why I'm going back but then when my baby is school age I could be working to help pay the mortgage but would lose my position on the career ladder and salary would then be lower. Guess you can't have it all?!

The Scandanian countries and Germany have excellent MAT leave and child care so why is the UK not following suit? Shame I can't speak the language, I would be over there in a shot because I really think we should be able to balance work and family life in 2012.

 

[dyscochick]

The Scandanian countries and Germany have excellent MAT leave and child care so why is the UK not following suit? Shame I can't speak the language, I would be over there in a shot because I really think we should be able to balance work and family life in 2012.

I lived in Sweden for 2 years, they speak amazing English, I'd go back if i thought we could both get good jobs! I learnt a bit of swedish while I was there but didn't really use it in myjob. Honestly its SO much better for childcare! a friend was paying about £200 a month for full time childcare, breakfast lunch and snacks included, after 14 months maternity leave on full pay!

 

[Tara1985]

The Scandanian countries and Germany have excellent MAT leave and child care so why is the UK not following suit? Shame I can't speak the language, I would be over there in a shot because I really think we should be able to balance work and family life in 2012.

I lived in Sweden for 2 years, they speak amazing English, I'd go back if i thought we could both get good jobs! I learnt a bit of swedish while I was there but didn't really use it in myjob. Honestly its SO much better for childcare! a friend was paying about £200 a month for full time childcare, breakfast lunch and snacks included, after 14 months maternity leave on full pay!

didn't realise they got full pay for all that time!!! I knew they held your job for you for 2 years though, well I think! I've visited Sweden and was amazed how well everyone spoke English. Also beautiful and soooo clean. I just assumed you would need to speak the language, I seriously do think about living elsewhere sometimes...but then I visit places like Cornwall and think Britian not all bad xx

 

[Titch85]

Cheaper child care is never going to happen without support of the government or a big company. Most nursery staff are on low wages as it is, and we're not all silly teenage girls with no education or training.

 

[Tara1985]

What do you mean Titch?

xx

 

[Titch85]

Nursery fees cost a fortune, but the staff in the nurseries are only just above minimum wage.

It's kind of off topic but all I ever hear in the press is negative stuff about nursery staff, when in reality, most of them have spent years studying for NVQs, degrees etc but the wage doesn't reflect that. A lot of people seem to think that nurseries are made up of girls that have come straight from school and don't know what else to do.

So I am not sure how child care is ever going to be affordable for parents, without lowering the wage even more, if you see what I mean.

 

[Tara1985]

So I am not sure how child care is ever going to be affordable for parents, without lowering the wage even more, if you see what I mean.

I understand now For a moment I thought you were saying these people were generally uneducated. My sister is a nanny and I know how hard she worked for her qualifications. Looking after children is not easy and the wage is not reflected sadly.

xx