Getting Buy-In For Flexible Working, Even From The Skeptical – Interview With Emma Francis

Soultuitive Leaders With Clare Josa

Lack of flexible working was found in the 2019 Imposter Syndrome Research Study to be one of three hidden drivers of the gender pay gap. The increased out-of-hours commitment so often required in senior roles and the difficulty in fitting work around family was shown to disproportionately disadvantage women with school-aged children.

So Zurich Insurance decided to take bold action. Driven by data and a passion for diversity and inclusion, they have now succeeded in making 80% of their UK roles part time, flexi-time or job-share. And far from having a negative impact on the bottom line, they've seen astonishing results.

They're making measurable progress on closing the gender pay gap, and their employee engagement and satisfaction have increased. And all of this was during the challenges of the 2020/21 Covid-19 lockdowns.

In this candid and action-inspiring interview, Emma Francis - Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Zurich Insurance - shares:

• what prompted them to take action
• how they got buy-in from the key decision-makers
• what people's concerns or initial objections were
• how they overcame them
• the benefits they have seen - it's not just gender equity
• what advice Emma would give other companies who might be considering this route

Shownotes are here and you can catch each interview from the #MakingHybridWork Lockdown Leadership Conference 2021 by registering free here.