Bias against parents at work — especially for mothers — has been well documented. But that doesn’t mean that people without children don’t face problems too.
For people without kids, requesting flexible work arrangements can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, a landscape that often appears dominated by parents seeking to manage school pick-ups and family life. Indeed, the seemingly simple request to work from home can, at times, be a demeaning exercise that reveals the widely held assumption that without kids, there’s little life to balance.
Assumptions like these can cast a shadow of hesitation over non-parents, leaving them reluctant to request the flexibility they need.
And yes, they do need it.
There are a wide array of reasons individuals may seek flexibility, ranging from pursuing further education or athletic careers, caring for aging relatives, their own personal health, or simply just wanting a better work-life harmony.
In this article we will explore the lives of 11 women (who don’t have kids) to discover:
- The variety of flexible work styles they utilize,
- The reasons they want and need flexibility,
- The employers supporting them to embrace this flexibility,
- And the advice they have for fellow non-parents looking to request flexible working arrangements of their own.
“My commitments and goals outside of work are just as important”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
Here at the Woolworths Group, flexibility for me comes in multiple ways. In a previous life, I worked for an organization where flexibility was awarded based on your parent status – which as one of the few non-parents in the team, felt incredibly inequitable!
Over the last few years, I’ve come to the realization that my commitments and goals outside of work are just as important as those of working parents – so having this flexibility allows me to achieve these.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
While family and flex policies have come a long way since being single-gendered oriented policies… it’s still very easy to assume when you read an organization’s family-friendly policy that it only applies to parents.
My advice to non-parents is to challenge that thinking – at the end of the day, no matter what life stage you are at, everyone requires a certain amount of flex in their role – it’s just going to be structured differently.
“Flexible working helps me give back to my community”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
Flexible working has enabled me to find true work-life balance.
I can both engage fully in my work as General Manager for Marketing at SMCT, and in giving back to my community outside of those working hours. I can better juggle part-time university commitments of another bachelor’s degree with family life (which is just as important as those with children, but it takes another form).
More recently, I joined the board of Rafiki Mwema, a children’s charity based in NSW supporting vulnerable children in Kenya through physical and psychological assistance. I also chair their marketing committee as a volunteer. Prior to this, I was volunteering in the equine assisted therapy space with NDIS participants.
I also have several animals and spend a lot of my free time outdoors on the farm. When at home I engage actively in the music space, mainly in writing, piano, and vocals. Flexibility is critical for me in the long-term to be able to juggle these facets of my life so I can contribute meaningfully to all in a sustainable way.
I definitely feel more refreshed and engaged in my working life thanks to the flexible working arrangement.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
I would encourage non-parents to explore what flexibility at work may look like or unlock for them as I think it is such an individual thing, particularly outside of the parenting sphere.
Initially I felt guilty that seeking a flexible working arrangement might appear that I was either disengaged in my work – not at all the case – or that I wouldn’t be entitled to the discussion in the first place as I wasn’t a parent.
It’s a natural conversation parents have with workplaces, but it is much more unusual for non-parents, and I really hope that changes as I’m certain it would positively impact retention and culture, as well as enrich personal lives.
It is exciting, progressive, and empowering to work for an employer who, in my case at SMCT, wanted to support a model of flexibility that worked for both of us.
“Working flexibly best fits my schedule and bodybuilding lifestyle”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
In my role as a Customer Service Manager, it’s difficult to predict or anticipate what challenges each new day could bring and managing the stress to overcome them, so I need to be on the ball at all times.
Working flexibly best fits my schedule and bodybuilding lifestyle. Particularly the four to five months of preparation in training for an upcoming bodybuilding competition. In the last few weeks leading up to a show, I work four days a week to help balance work, spend quality time with my family, and bodybuilding.
It also helps to manage my time in training which includes four to five hours in the gym, six days a week, regular sauna and massages, hours of meal preparation, posing, and much needed time for rest and relaxation.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
No matter where your passions are or what you aspire to, you can find the work-life balance to be successful and live a happier, more fulfilling life in pursuit of your passion.
Support is critical not only from family and friends, but also from your workplace to ensure a balanced and healthy lifestyle whilst remaining committed to your goals.
“As a surfer and tennis player, having work flexibility is a huge advantage.”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
On the days I work from home, it’s easier to transition to sport or exercise before/after work or at lunchtime, as well as to spend time with friends and family.
For the last three years my husband and I have been (slowly!) renovating our house, so any free time on top of that has gone to DIY and managing the builders. This can be tricky if you’re not around to deal with questions as they arise (like the giant ant’s nest we found as our kitchen got demolished!).
For me, breaking up the day with exercise is a huge mental boost, something I really look forward to and helps with my focus and productivity. As a dedicated, and sometimes competitive, surfer and tennis player, a lot depends on the weather and conditions so having work flexibility is a huge advantage. It also means you can beat the weekend crowds. The same also goes for travel and being able to take leave outside of peak holidays.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
It comes down to your specific needs and discussing with your supervisor/manager an arrangement that works best then potentially giving it a trial. It’s definitely a privilege and it’s also important to be flexible with work requirements, so if you can be adaptable then that helps too.
“I’m able to increase my output when working from home”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
I chose to work flexibly for a few reasons: I can focus and concentrate on more complex tasks, and I’m able to increase my output when working from my home office, due to less distractions and interruptions.
The days I do not go into the office I get to spend that time taking additional walks (with my dogs), exercise, engage in personal development, or commence my workday earlier. I generally make sure there is a benefit for not being in traffic for an hour each way.
Being single, if I need to be at home to let trades in, or for any reason, I can manage a day during the week I will be working from home to facilitate this.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
Talk and listen to your supervisor. Have a plan and present what benefits being a flexible worker can provide for you and the team. Analyze your deliverables and assess what efficiencies you, the team, and business can gain. Then build a flexible working arrangement around what works.
Continually assess the arrangement, always being aware there will be certain occasions you will need to be flexible in the arrangement to ensure deliverables are met.
“It helps me fit work around my lifestyle, rather than the other way around”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
My fiancé and I had always wanted to do some longer-term travel, and after several years of dreaming and discussions about French wineries, Italian eats, and English countrysides, we made the decision to spend nine months travelling Europe.
The support and encouragement I received from my leader and the broader Nufarm team to chase these aspirations was amazing. It also demonstrated to me how Nufarm valued the hard work and dedication I had committed to my role in the past and I appreciated that it’s not something everyone has the opportunity to do.
I returned from my career break to my pre-travel role in early 2023, and have recently been lucky enough to be successful in securing a promotion into a role within our global business supporting a large-scale, global transformation project.
While flexibility is definitely important for working parents, it’s also important for those of us who for whatever reason, are not parents. I am grateful that Nufarm affords me the opportunity to work flexibly, and ultimately to help me fit work around my lifestyle choices, and not necessarily always the other way around.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
I’m looking forward to being able to stay curious and the challenges and growth that this role will bring. The opportunity to thrive wouldn’t have been possible without Nufarm supporting my life choices and allowing me to follow my dreams.
“Being an elite athlete obviously means a demanding training schedule”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
Throughout my Accenture career, my managers have encouraged me to adjust my schedule. In 2017, I was training for a few hours early in the morning before arriving in the office at 8am, then returning to training after work. I wasn’t getting any down time, and my manager could see that this wasn’t sustainable. They encouraged me to finish work at 3pm so I could work around my training schedule, instead of the other way around.
In the lead up to the 2022 Winter Olympics when I was training extensively, as well as attending overseas competitions, Accenture supported me with an extended break to prioritize my training.
Sport has always been a part of my life. I was a professional rugby league and high-level rugby 7s and 15s player before I moved into bobsleigh in the 2016–17 season.
After qualifying for the 2022 Beijing Games and missing out due to COVID, I decided to take a season away from the ice. I was looking for another outlet for training and someone suggested Rugby League, so now I’m playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the current NRLW season.
Being an elite athlete obviously means a demanding training schedule, and I initially thought that working a corporate job would mean the end of my athletic career. But Accenture has provided me with an incredible level of flexibility.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
My advice to anyone wanting to work flexibly is to have the conversation! I have found that by being authentic to myself and acknowledging my needs (working flexibly due to sport commitments), I am more engaged, focused and determined when I am at work, as I feel valued for being my whole self.
It can be scary to go outside of the norm, but in the long run, you will be a healthier, happier, and more fully rounded person, which will ultimately be better for you both inside and outside of work.
“I felt like the weekends were never enough to do what needs to get done”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
I have been extremely fortunate and never taken for granted that I’ve been able to work for some great organizations, with supportive people, amazing opportunities, and have always been highly committed to delivering outcomes.
After 30+ years of giving my all to each role, without a break other than annual leave, I left my last organization after 12 years and had a six-month career break.
This time enabled me to reflect, ‘catch my breath’ and made me realize I was taking on too much both at work and at home. It was always that feeling like the weekends were just never enough to do what needed to get done, no time for me, not being completely present with friends and family and feeling burnt out.
I also have increasing caretaker commitments for ageing parents, parent-in-law, and guardianship responsibilities for a family member. So, I knew in my next role it was time to seek a more flexible arrangement.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
It comes down to your specific needs and discussing with your supervisor/manager an arrangement that works best then potentially giving it a trial. It’s definitely a privilege and it’s also important to be flexible with work requirements, so if you can be adaptable then that helps too.
“As a single ‘dog mom’, flexibility allows me to take morning or lunch strolls”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
After being in lockdown in Melbourne for two years, I made the decision to return to my home state of South Australia and move back to the beautiful coastal town I grew up in.
As a contractor I didn’t think that working flexibly would ever be an option. However, after a good discussion with my manager about my role and the tasks involved, I was proven wrong, and have been working on a flexible arrangement with Ericsson for over a year now.
There are currently no office facilities located in South Australia, and so I am currently working 100% from home, with the ability to travel to Melbourne and Sydney if and when required.
The choice to work flexibly was purely around work/life balance, and having the ability to spend more quality time with my loved ones. Fortunately, the majority of my role in Talent Acquisition can be done via Teams, which also enables me to work across various time-zones.
I have a Golden Retriever (Marty) that relocated back to South Australia with me and being a single ‘dog mom’ the flexibility I have allows me to use the hours that would be needed to commute each day, to really make the most of where we now live.
Most days (weather permitting) we will take an early morning or lunchtime stroll down at our local beach and Marty keeps me ‘in check’ sitting at my feet most days as I work. He is happy and I am happy.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
Don’t be afraid to ask! I would never have thought my flexible work situation would be possible and here I am today as a contractor writing this with my trusted pooch by my side and we couldn’t be more thankful!
“I’m getting time to cook fresh meals and exercise”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
This gives me time to focus on myself. Before, when I was not working from home, I was spending a lot of time travelling to work. Now, I can utilize that time to pursue hobbies that I always wanted to but couldn’t due to lack of time.
I have realized that it’s important to be able to unwind and relax from the stress of work and my hobbies help in that. It also gives me time to focus on health as I’m getting time to cook fresh meals and exercise.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
Discuss what flexibility options are available with your manager/HR. Flexibility at work will depend on what your job is. Consider changing the role if your role doesn’t allow you to have flexible work arrangements that you need. If you have flexible work arrangements, remember it’s a privilege that not everyone will have.
“I wouldn’t say I choose to work flexibly it is more of a necessity”
Why do you choose to work flexibly?
I wouldn’t say I choose to work flexibly, it is more of a necessity, which Knight Frank has so generously given me the support in doing. Being both a current NSW Waratahs and Wallaroos representative, while studying a Bachelor of Business Administration at Macquarie University, this arrangement allows me the flexibility and freedom to choose the two days I work each week. It also gives me the opportunity to enter the business/corporate sector while not having to sacrifice my sporting, university, and social and family connections.
With the large amount of domestic and international travel my sport requires, this role gives me the opportunity to work externally, to continue progressing in the workplace and support my team even when I can’t be in the office.
Furthermore, having access to Leave Without Pay to allow me to pursue my sporting career without sacrificing my work/life balance. Knight Frank have given me this opportunity in what would usually be a full-time role, creating a flexible working arrangement to ensure I can be my best in the workplace.
In the past and even the present many women athletes looking to compete at the highest level within their chosen sporting fields have not had this opportunity from businesses/employers, however with the ever-changing landscape of flexible work arrangements we are in a time where this is realistic.
What advice do you have for other non-parents looking to find more flexibility at work?
For non-parents looking to find flexibility in the workplace, my advice is to remember flexible work doesn’t mean doing less or not being adequate to others around you.
It means prioritizing the times where you can be the most authentic and productive.
Flexible work allows you to prioritize being the best sibling, friend, athlete, student, employee, or co-worker all at once. With the list only growing regarding just how multifaceted people truly are, flexible work is the way of the future and now the present.
So, take the time to reflect on what work means to you, and how can you be your most productive and powerful self?
