Parents and carers
You told us in our inclusion and diversity survey that more support was needed for parents and carers.
Caring for others whilst holding down a steady job can be difficult, and a lack of flexibility from your employer can make it hard to maintain a good work-life balance – causing even more pressure.
Challenges to address
Pregnancy and maternity still slow down women’s career progression. The time new parents need to spend with their children often isn’t valued. People needing to adapt their working hours to care for others can find it very stressful to arrange.
Returning to work after a break to care for others can also be difficult, due to not knowing what to expect and how to best manage the workload. There’s also an increase in mental load, as you have more to think about and catch up on.
Breaking the barriers
Read about the achievements and experiences of others:
- It’s a balancing act: six pharmacists tell the PJ about parental leave and what to consider when returning to work.
- Flexible working – why is it so hard to arrange? (link to be added soon): Flexible working can be essential for everyone at particular life stages, says RCPharm Head of Professional Belonging Amandeep Doll.
What you can do
If you’ve been on parental leave and are returning to work, our Returning to practice guide for members includes practical advice and tips to help you return to the workplace with confidence.
If you’re a parent and carer who would like additional support in navigating your career, you can watch our webinar from 25:00s on building confidence as a parent and carer how it will help you thrive within pharmacy:
What we’re doing
Our parents and carers campaign aims to reduce the burden on you and remove barriers to inclusion in the workplace.
- We want you to be able to choose flexible working so you feel supported in the workplace as parents and carers. We’ll hear from pharmacists who have achieved this and will outline how to ask for flexible working.
- We’ll challenge negative attitudes to parents and carers through a brand new guide to the microaggressions you experience in the workplace.
- We want you to have better support when you return to work after time off for maternity, parental or carer’s leave and will help you understand what you’re entitled to.
- We want you to understand your rights in the workplace and will signpost you to get help.
We’re working to achieve real and lasting change for pharmacy through challenge, advocacy with our profession, partners and contributors within and outside of pharmacy.
Inclusion and diversity blogs
Many RCPharm members have written about their experiences in promoting and fighting for Inclusion and Diversity in pharmacy.
To discover their stories and learn about how their experiences, background and culture have shaped who they are today, browse through our collection below.
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Why neuroinclusion matters in pharmacy and healthcare
Caroline Murphy explores why neuroinclusion matters in pharmacy and healthcare, and how small changes can help colleagues thrive, strengthen teams and support better patient care.
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Supporting autistic colleagues in the workplace
By Zahra, an autistic pharmacist Despite increasing awareness around autism, there is still an opportunity to build greater understanding of how organisations can create genuinely inclusive environments. This blog provides possible ways to support autistic colleagues, particularly for managers, from my perspective as an autistic pharmacist. Creating a supportive environment A crucial part of a manager’s role is to help create an environment where all colleagues feel respected. This includes developing and ensuring you have a basic understanding of autism and reasonable adjustments, whether for your current team, future colleagues or patients. Autistic individuals may have a diagnosis, be waiting for a diagnosis or have a self-diagnosis, and have varying support needs. They are all valued members of the autistic community and are all entitled to reasonable adjustments. It can be helpful to reflect on any preconceived ideas you may have around autism, as these are often formed from inaccurate stereotypes or common misconceptions. Reflecting on this can help you to approach the topic with more openness and recognise the benefits of implementing systemic changes by putting inclusive practices in place. Your autistic colleagues shouldn’t feel they have to constantly advocate for themselves due to a lack of inclusivity. Practical ways to support autistic colleagues Use reliable resources when learning about autism, some of which are listed below. This also applies to reasonable adjustments; It is their decision whether they tell you that they’re autistic, including if they decide to share this with other colleagues and how they may want to do so. Make sure to provide a safe space for them to open up if they wish. It’s also important to remember that they don’t owe anyone an explanation on autism or their story; Ensure colleagues are aware reasonable adjustments are available to them. This can help reduce any stress on them trying to initiate that conversation; It is essential to give them the space to tell you what support they need, rather than trying to make that decision for them. Reasonable adjustments may also change over time, for example requiring more support during busier periods; Use the correct and respectful terminology, for example using the term “low support needs” instead of “high-functioning”; Never make assumptions on their strengths and areas for support; Try to focus on understanding and supporting your autistic colleague, rather than feeling you need to understand the entirety of autism. Even if you are just starting to learn about autism, ensuring that you are respectful, accepting and providing the support autistic people may need is what matters most. It is a necessity for work environments to be genuinely inclusive for everyone. National Autistic Society: What is autism? National Autistic Society: What are reasonable adjustments and when can they be requested? Acas: Adjustments for neurodiversity — Reasonable adjustments at work — Acas The Pharmaceutical Journal: Autism: identification, management and support Explore our inclusion and diversity work Read more blogs
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My RPS internship: developing confidence, leadership and my voice in pharmacy
A transformative internship with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society helped Maruf Ahmed build confidence, develop his leadership skills and find his voice in advancing inclusion and diversity within the pharmacy profession.