Don't hire them; they'll be having babies soon.

Please note that the above is not my opinion, but it is an opinion you still hear in 2024.

To those who still hold this opinion, you could be missing out on some A+ grade talent.

There is no denying that when babies come into the picture, life becomes a juggling act of work, home life, and kids. It is still predominantly the female who shoulders much of the heavy lifting, and even for those dads who take on more of the load, you will rarely hear, "Don't hire him; he'll be having babies soon."

Today, you still hear people talking about the Mum Squad at work and moans and groans of "she's off to pick the kid up again," but if a Dad leaves early every Wednesday to coach their kids' football team, what a hero.

I was chatting with someone who was looking for a senior marketer for their organisation. They could not afford a full-time salary, but they really needed the experience and know-how of one.

I said what you need is a returning-to-work mum who was a senior marketer or agency client service director seeking a part-time role that still challenges them and allows them to use their expertise. This is a role you can afford and one that would be mutually beneficial.

"I can't advertise for that!"

I said (apologies to all recruitment consultants in advance), "Say you are looking for a senior marketer to fill your GM of Marketing role part-time. The role would be perfect for a returning-to-work parent who still wants to be in the thick of it, but part-time." This is great for you and great for them.

There is still a prevalent societal bias against new parents, mostly mothers, in the business world. Having worked with many, I know they are exceptional, with excellent time management and a massive drive to get shit done, but it's the societal pressures that often force them to work this way. This is another mindset that needs to change.

Thinking ahead, we know many countries are struggling with an aging population and low birth rates, but as women are working their asses off to be brilliant and forge successful careers, they are now having to weigh up is having kids worth it and will it hurt their careers, which is horrendous for them, but crazy for society and the business world.

Shifting opinions and ensuring parents, primarily mums, can have both are so beneficial. More companies recognising and supporting new parents, primarily mums, over what is a very short period in the grand scheme of a career would be hugely beneficial to society, the business world, businesses, and new parents.

Now that I've finished this post, I'm wondering why I'm posting about this in 2024. Indeed, we should be past this by now. I want to think that as we enter 2025, more businesses can embrace new and returning-to-work parents. There's a load of A+ grade talent out there.