Cherry Ainsworth, the FT’s Head of Talent Acquisition and mum to two young boys, recently returned to her role after a year's maternity leave. Here she explains how she has managed the transition and how the FT has supported her and other working parents in navigating this exciting, but often challenging period in people’s lives.
Returning from maternity leave felt a bit like stepping into a new unknown world. After months of bonding with my little boy and adjusting to life as a mum of two, the thought of re-entering the workplace was both exciting (for the sake of my sanity!) and nerve-wracking in equal measure. How would I manage the demands of my career while also being there for my children, especially now with two little ones? Would I remember how to write a convincing email or put together a strategy deck after a year of Peppa Pig, playdates and pooey nappies? What would I do when I got a call from the boy’s nursery saying one of them was sick? All these things and more have consumed my thoughts during this return to work and after my first maternity leave in 2020.
Luckily, the FT has been incredibly supportive from the start. During my pregnancy, they made sure I was aware of all the resources available to me, from parental coaching sessions to flexible working options and additional support from our occupational health team. And whilst I was off I was lucky to benefit from their generous enhanced family leave packages. Before I went on maternity leave, I had open conversations with my manager about what my return might look like and it was comforting to know that I wasn't expected to dive back in full-time, five days a week, right away. They were open to discussing alternatives that would help me transition smoothly.
After both periods of maternity leave, I have returned to the FT on a four-day week basis. I am lucky that the FT supported this decision, understanding that a shorter week would allow me to focus on both aspects of my life without feeling stretched too thin. I can honestly say that this flexibility has made all the difference.
On the days I work, I'm fully immersed in my role and professional responsibilities, knowing that I still have a day reserved to spend precious time with my children whilst they are still young. I cherish my Friday’s with my little boys, whether it's taking them to a soft play or just doing the things we can't quite find the time for on a weekend. These moments are priceless, and I’m so grateful to have the space to enjoy them.
Of course, balancing work and parenthood isn’t always easy. There are still days when the juggle feels overwhelming, when a work meeting collides with a sick child, or when I feel like I’m not giving 100% to either side. But the adoption of hybrid working has helped with this, and I’ve started to realise that it’s not about perfection. There are times you will feel like you have everything under control and you are smashing it, and there will be times when you feel like everything is imploding around you - but that’s totally normal and I have learnt with time, and through talking to people, that most other parents are feeling the same way.
Having an employer that recognises this juggle and supports the balance makes all the difference. We are lucky at the FT, as we have an active community of employee resource groups and “FT Families” is one dedicated to championing the needs of employees with caregiving responsibilities and ensuring that the FT’s policies, processes and benefits support caregivers to achieve their potential.
I am 6 weeks back into my role after my second period of maternity leave and (so far!) I’m proud of how I’ve managed this transition. The decision to work four days a week has given me the opportunity to maintain my career without sacrificing precious moments with my children. I feel fortunate to work for a company that truly values the well-being of its employees, and understands that flexibility is key in retaining talent, especially when family life is involved.
I now feel more confident in managing this ever changing juggle and knowing that I can maintain my career whilst also being present and there for my children in these early years. It’s a delicate balance, but with the right support and structure in place, it’s absolutely possible.
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