Seven Ways to Pretend to be Busy at Work

busy man - office mum

He's the busiest person in the office. Most of us know this person. He is always too busy to stop and talk. He must be important, because nobody could be that busy all the time and not be important. And whatever you do, don't ask him to take on anything else - can't you see he's already ...

5 Tips for Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave

office mum: maternity leave tips

Childcare booked - check. Return to work date agreed - check. Sense of calm and wellbeing? Not quite there yet. Going back to work after maternity leave is a time of mixed emotions for many mothers - for some it's a worry, for some, it's exciting. And for most, it's a lot from column A and ...

Presenteeism: Why Are We Still Rewarding Presence In The Office?

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My friend was not impressed. A 5pm conference call that was scheduled to last two hours. So instead of using his office phone, he dialled in on his mobile. At 6, he left work, still on the call. He walked to the train station, took the train home, got tea organised for his kids, and ...

Office Mum stories – Tracy Gunn

Office Mum: Tracy Gunn Mumager photo

“Recently I was asked how I can say ‘no’ to work (which as a freelancer can be scary). My mantra is ‘every time I say yes to doing additional work, it means I’m saying no to being with the boys’. It makes the decision much easier” Originally from Scotland, Tracy moved to Ireland six years ago ...

Why do working mothers keep saying yes?

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I'm not great at saying no. And I have some colleagues at work who are not great at saying no. And some good friends who don't say no to their bosses easily. We have something in common - we are all parents - all working mothers. We all work, and are paid for, part-time hours. And most of us ...

Not guilty

liveauctioneers.com

Working mother guilt – does it ever ease? If we’re not feeling guilty about being apart from our children, we’re feeling guilty about an un-ironed uniform, unsigned homework or giving toast for dinner. And sometimes we feel guilty about work too. While I would argue vehemently that parents in the workplace are working just as hard ...

Office Mum stories: Naomi Lavelle

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"I think once you become a parent, guilt is inevitable"                              "I often feel like I am present physically but trying to work on something myself while doing homework/cooking dinner etc.  I feel like I may be around my children a lot of the ...

Maternity benefit cut: what message does this send?

breakingnews.ie

Maternity benefit has been cut in this week’s budget to €230 per week, down from €262*. This is getting some attention in the media, but understandably, it is overshadowed by more hard-hitting changes. There have been some comments from ISME, One Family, and from the Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland Orla O’Connor ...