Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) isn’t just a policy – it’s embedded into the way we work, ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive.
Central to our commitment is agile working, which allows our colleagues the flexibility to balance work and life. For those managing long-term health conditions, chronic illnesses or disabilities, this way of work can be life changing.
We heard from one colleague about her experience managing endometriosis. She shared how agile working has positively impacted her career while managing this chronic condition, which is characterised by tissue growth outside the uterus that causes severe pain, inflammation, and fatigue.
How has having endometriosis previously impacted your ability to work?
“I live with chronic pain and fatigue that can flare up at any time. Before agile working, this meant that I had to take time off or drag myself in and push through, knowing that I definitely shouldn’t have been there. It was frustrating wanting to do a good job and not fall behind but sometimes struggling to do that.
How has the flexibility of agile working helped you manage your condition and maintain your career?
“The flexibility means that on tough days I can still do my job whilst taking care of myself. I can set myself up at home in a way that helps me to manage pain and be more comfortable than if I were in an office. The flexibility has allowed me to keep going with my career without burning out”.
How has this enabled you to contribute more consistently and effectively to your team?
“It has made things a lot easier. Instead of having times where I’d be completely out of action and away from work, I can keep going even on tougher days. Working in a way that suits me means that I have more energy and focus, so I’m more present and reliable. I’m really lucky that my team understand and are supportive.”
What do you see as the biggest benefits of agile working?
“I think the biggest benefit is the work-life balance that it allows. Whether you are managing a health condition, a family or any other commitments, agile working means that you have much more flexibility. Having that balance makes people less stressed, happier and more motivated”.
What message would you want to share with other people with chronic health conditions about the benefits of agile working?
“Working in an agile way and the flexibility that it brings is life changing. You can work around your health and your needs, instead of feeling like work and health are clashing. Your health condition doesn’t have to hold you back from having, and enjoying, a career”.
By adopting flexible and agile working arrangements, we actively support our colleagues, creating a workplace where every individual is valued, understood and empowered to be themselves.
To find out more about our workplace culture, visit our careers page.