Paul* a COO in the Media sector and Carol*, a Management Consultant have three children aged 5 and 3 and 6 months. Paul works full time and Carol works 2.5 days per week. Childcare is a combination of a regular day with Grandma and two days at nursery. They also have a cleaner. While Carol is responsible for childcare on her days off, Paul commits to being home from work by 7.10pm every evening in order to play with the children and to put them to bed. His diary is also always kept clear on Thursday afternoons after 4.30pm so that he can pick the children up from nursery. Paul feels supported in his job because Carol takes on many of the childcare and household commitments, but he won't compromise on his special time with the children. Carol is positive about being able to maintain a part time professional role and appreciates the flexibility that that her organisation has demonstrated.
* Real names changed