Comments on: MIA releases The Part-Time Pitch calling on Aussie agencies to help keep women in the industry

By: @Man at agency with many mums

@Man at agency with many mums — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:30:14 +0000

Mate, get back to work and stop looking for personal kudos where it’s really not necessary. Your comments are silly, over the top and a little embarrassing.

By: Man at an agency with many mums

Man at an agency with many mums — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 03:26:35 +0000

Our agency is proud to have many staff that have taken multiple maternity or paternity leave periods and accommodated for their return in their way.

The solution was long-term thinking.

When Mums return, they deliver outstanding results. They are brilliant thinkers, smarter problem solvers, and more committed to getting the right result and getting results for their clients.

They buy into the agency culture and stay longer.

Ultimately, in the long run, you’ll have less HR nightmares, less hiring, less training, less missed briefs and less wasted time.

Agencies that want a smarter, more accountable workforce. Treat staff right through their journey and don’t be afraid of hiring new, returning or soon-to-be Mums.

Although… they may just do a better job than you, so be afraid, be very afraid….

By: Take note FTC.

Take note FTC. — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:08:37 +0000

This is how you do it. Embrace everyone as a potential ally. Nice work MIA.

By: @Part-time Pairs

@Part-time Pairs — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 01:40:17 +0000

Great idea!!

By: Hear Hear!

Hear Hear! — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 01:38:00 +0000

This is a great initiative.
I tried desperately to make a job share role work and in the end was let go which was appalling considering how many other women/Mums I believe would have been happy to job share with me.
I hope this helps make some change!

By: Tali

Tali — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:31:23 +0000

Despite what agencies say, things are 100% not changing fast enough. Here’s hoping that the right people start listening — and that part-time is made possible for all who seek it, parents or otherwise. Well done Jules and Regina on this wonderful, powerful initiative x

By: Part-time Pairs

Part-time Pairs — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:04:43 +0000

Maybe we could create a service that connects two mums in similar roles who could apply as a work-sharing duo? To solve the ‘resourcing’ issues that agencies usually rely on.

(Not to imply that it’s on us to solve the issue ourselves – but oh so conscious of how long our industry to change even the bare minimum)

By: @ JaseR

@ JaseR — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:11:55 +0000

Other industries are fixing this, though. There’s more flexibility and part time work – even in our partner clients – than in our own shops. Community wide conversation is great, industry specific action even better.

By: Solutions not just problems

Solutions not just problems — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:01:14 +0000

I got this in my inbox this morning. A fairly smart and simple approach to a problem, and practical way for agencies to attract and keep great talent.

By: JaseR

JaseR — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:06:19 +0000

There are some great comments here. One of the challenges is that we are expecting agencies to fix what is a broader socio-economic problem. I can well understand why agencies want to employ people on a full-time basis. It’s simpler for them to manage and probably gives them more bang for their buck. Equally, it makes it harder for mothers looking to return to the workforce. That’s bad for them and probably bad for the economy more broadly. There needs to be a community-wide conversation about this because it affects most industries.

By: @about time

@about time — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:56:29 +0000

I had plenty of great relationships when I went on mat leave – but it didn’t make any difference when I was trying to get 3 days a week. Agencies are kidding themselves if they keep filling the pipe with women but doing nothing to keep them there. If gender equality matters, you need to look at the very obvious part motherhood plays in the disparity between those who stay in this industry and those who don’t.

By: Carer

Carer — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:49:07 +0000

I’ve found plenty of part time work in advertising. It’s just five days per week instead of seven.

By: About time...

About time... — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:38:45 +0000

I moved to Melbourne after living in Brisbane for years when I had a one year old, and can tell you first hand that when you don’t have exisiting relationships with agencies and people in a city it’s near impossible to get part-time work. This initiative will help a lot!

By: Allie

Allie — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:31:35 +0000

Always nailing it Jules and Reg xx

By: An easy ask and a great start

An easy ask and a great start — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 01:16:02 +0000

Would love to see agencies take up such an easy ask that will make a huge difference for people trying to juggle kids and career. About 10 years too late for me though, client side now.

By: New mum here

New mum here — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:54:54 +0000

Currently been looking for part time hours and it’s been a completely deflating/humiliating process. Parental leave policies work for returning mums – but then you are stuck in that agency until you can work full time, because noone else will give you part time hours. Unless part time means “we’ll maybe let you do 4 days, pay you for 4 days, but give you 5 day work load”. I hope this starts some change.