The history of women in work is a story of resilience, struggle, and transformation. Women's roles in the workforce have evolved significantly, reflecting broader social, economic, and political changes. From domestic roles to professional achievements, women have fought for recognition and equality.
We continue to live in a world where a report from the World Bank earlier this year summarised that ‘No country in the world affords women the same opportunities as men in the workforce.’ Yet more women are launching their own businesses, accounting for nearly half of new entrepreneurs in recent years according to a report from Gusto.
Why it’s personal…
At Fred & Eric, the story of women in work is at our core. Our animation studio, founded and run by three women, has been shaped by the resilience and adaptability that women have demonstrated in the workforce for generations. From balancing the demands of motherhood with growing a business, to breaking down barriers in a male-dominated industry.
The importance of flexible working has always been a critical part of Fred & Eric's ethos. We pride ourselves on a healthy balance between life and work. Flexible working arrangements are a key part of this and have become increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment.
After years of campaigning by founders such as Mother Pukka, flexible working has gathered more and more traction. Finally, the flexible working bill became law last year.
With 5 children between us and a fundamental belief that we should be able to be taken seriously as business owners and still be there for pick up, we’ve made a conscious decision to keep flexibility at the heart of how we run the company. Whether that’s getting to a school sports day or working from a van overlooking the Portuguese coastline, we have kept that balance.
The F&E team firmly believe that outdated working models do not need to dictate how a successful business should be run. We have trusted relationships with our clients built on open communication and reactivity, which has thrived within our flexible working environment.
Staying flexible
As we look to the future, it’s essential to continue advocating for policies that support women’s rights in the workplace. This includes promoting equitable pay and creating inclusive work environments.
Flexible working is a step in the right direction, not just a modern workplace trend, and it is a critical component of our flourishing organisational culture at Fred & Eric.
