#38 Creating work environments that work for all - with Lea Haep

Different generations expect different things from their work
environments - which is where Lea Haep comes in. The MD at
STARTUP TEENS & Gen Talents helps businesses achieve what she
calls “work that works for all.” 


Why is this so important right now? Well, first there’s the lack
of skilled labour, which provides a strong incentive to
businesses to become desirable work environments. “There are 1.5
jobs for every one person,” says Lea. “And what we also see is
when people work in a work environment where they feel good,
where they feel valued, they are going to perform better. So in
the end, it’s a question of economics.” 


The other reason is that it’s not just new parents who are asking
for more flexibility at work - it’s the next generation of
workers too. “They don’t want to work less, as we’ve seen in
studies - but they want to work differently. For example, more
flexible working hours, more flexible working spaces,” says
Lea. 


What does that mean for us parental leavers? The time to
negotiate is now! 


We’re increasingly seeing this at MyCollective too - that people
returning from parental leave actually have a pretty strong
negotiating position. Lea suggests that you - 


Be brave and assertive - know that you have a strong case. 


Be specific about what exactly your needs are when it comes to
flexible work options. “How much do I want to work, what do I
exactly need as working hours - this is the basic homework that
you need to do,” Lea recommends.


Be a role model and look for other role models. This helps the
company too, because they need role models like you. (And it’s
one of many reasons why we all meet at MyCollective during our
parental leave, to have this wonderful collective of role models
around us).


Let us know what you think! 


Speaker: @Lea Haep - Managing Director @STARTUP TEENS & Gen
Talents


Interviewer: Dr. @Ricarda Engelmeier - Founder @MyCollective


Photo: Farina Deutschmann


#getinspired #podcast #inspiration #MyCollective #womenleaders
#futurework #newwork #leadership #parenthood #diversity
#changemakers #getinspired #podcast #ImpulseSessions
#parentalleave #elternzeit