At BAE Systems, a company at the forefront of technological innovation, the commitment to fostering gender diversity goes beyond mere words. For women in tech, the company offers not only career opportunities but also the flexibility and support needed to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Laura, an Integration Director at BAE Systems, shares her journey as a working mother, revealing how the organisation has empowered her to maintain a healthy balance between her career and family.
Laura’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s an example of how corporate policies that support women can have a profound impact on career longevity, work-life balance, and job satisfaction.
Navigating the Demands of a Career and Family Life
As a working mum, Laura has faced the common challenge of balancing a fast-paced career with the responsibilities of raising a family. However, her experience at BAE Systems has been overwhelmingly positive from the outset.
“I joined BAE Systems initially as my twins were starting school,” Laura explains. “I needed a job close to their primary school to balance drop-offs, pickups, and after-school clubs with my husband, who also works full-time.”
For many women in tech, this struggle is all too familiar. The pressure to perform in demanding roles while ensuring the well-being of their families can be exhausting. But Laura found that BAE Systems provided her with the flexibility to meet both professional and personal demands without sacrificing her career ambitions.
“After just a few weeks, I felt really supported by my line manager to prioritise my work-life balance. I’m really proud to say I’ve managed to make it to every sports day and nativity. We are very supported at BAE Systems to make our own work-life balance decisions.”
This emphasis on flexibility is a key factor in retaining talent, particularly women who may otherwise feel the need to step back from demanding careers to focus on family responsibilities.
Creating a Culture of Genuine Support for Working Parents
While many companies offer policies designed to support working parents, the substance and implementation of these policies can vary widely. For Laura, the support she received at BAE Systems has been both genuine and consistent.
“I’ve always felt that BAE Systems is sincere in their policies for working parents,” Laura says. “Every request for parental leave or attending school events has been supported. This has made me feel valued, and as a result, I’ve developed a deep commitment to the company.”
The ability to take parental leave without hesitation, and the freedom to attend important family events during the workday, have allowed Laura to maintain a fulfilling career while being present for her children. It’s no wonder she feels a deep sense of loyalty to the company.
These kinds of policies are vital not just for attracting female talent but for retaining it. Many women leave the tech industry mid-career due to challenges in balancing work and family life. By providing the flexibility to make personal commitments a priority, BAE Systems is actively countering this trend.
Flexible and Hybrid Working: A Lifeline for Working Mums
The adoption of hybrid and flexible working models has become a crucial element of modern life, particularly in industries like tech where the fast pace can often collide with the demands of family life. BAE Systems’ flexible approach was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when parents were tasked with balancing work and homeschooling.
“During COVID, my twins were seven, and I was balancing back-to-back work calls with homeschooling,” Laura shares. “Thankfully, my husband was far more patient and capable in that area!”
This period underscored the importance of flexible work arrangements for working parents, and for Laura, the appreciation for employees’ lives outside of work has remained a core part of BAE Systems’ culture.
“Now, flexible working and hybrid models are just part of the business. We can manage our own time and make decisions that suit our personal lives,” she says. “As long as you’re committed to doing your best, you’ll get that respect paid back.”
This shift represents more than just a practical change—it’s a cultural one. Laura notes that BAE Systems has embraced the concept of “bringing your whole self to work,” which encourages employees to be open about their personal commitments and seek the support they need to balance their lives.
The Importance of Gender Diversity and Inclusivity in Tech
Laura’s experience is a testament to BAE Systems’ broader commitment to creating a workplace where diversity and inclusion are more than just corporate buzzwords. The company recognises that fostering a culture where women, and particularly working mothers, can thrive requires policies that accommodate the realities of life outside the office.
But it’s not just about flexibility for working parents. BAE Systems actively promotes gender diversity across the company, offering mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and pathways for women to rise to senior positions. This focus on inclusivity helps ensure that women in tech, like Laura, don’t feel like they have to choose between their career and their family.
“There’s a genuine commitment to diversity here,” Laura says. “I’ve always felt supported, and I know that BAE Systems values the different perspectives that women bring to the table.”
A Role Model for Other Companies
Laura’s story is an inspiring example of how the right support can enable women to excel in their careers without compromising their personal lives. Her experience at BAE Systems showcases the value of flexible working policies, sincere support from leadership, and a company-wide commitment to diversity.
For other companies looking to emulate this success, the message is clear: supportive policies aren’t just a perk—they are a necessity for building a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. Whether through hybrid working, parental leave, or fostering an open culture, companies that prioritise their employees’ well-being will not only retain their top talent but also drive innovation and success.
If BAE Systems sounds like somewhere you’d like to take the next step in your career, you can see their current opportunities here.
