Mums in Tech ft. Rebecca Harnett-Holmes

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Rebecca Harnett-Holmes, Client Relationship Director at Patchwork Health.

The purpose of our ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.

Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

Hi! I’m an experienced account director who has been working in the healthtech space for 7+ years, with a passion for tech that has a positive impact. In my current role I manage multiple NHS trusts and am responsible for everything from contract renewal to supporting with operational issues and also identifying upsell opportunities.

If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?

It can feel like being an elastic band that’s constantly stretched to juuuuuust below the point where it will snap.

How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?

I have been really strict with myself about maintaining better boundaries since returning from mat leave. Sometimes that looks like picking up something urgent after bedtime, but the most important thing for me is that I’m not available for anything work related on my non-working day or weekends.

This has helped me feel like I’m giving my work the effort and energy requires whilst also respecting my time with my family.

What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?

For sure establishing and maintaining those boundaries. I’ve fallen into the trap of being required to do the same amount of work in 4 days so it’s definitely a lot to juggle.

What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?

I thought I was organised and good at prioritising before, but wow have I levelled up! I’m so much more productive in my working day than I used to be as a result, because I want to be able to relax and enjoy time with my son as soon as possible.

When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?

I was really grateful that my employer and line manager set the expectation that it would take me a while to get back up to speed – they had prepared a “re-onboarding” plan which was great.

What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?

Acknowledge that they are likely returning to work feeling like a whole new version of themselves and possibly struggling to navigate that and its impact on their identity. Also let’s get working part-time right – if you’re saying someone can return to work part-time that means you are comfortable with their workload reducing in line with their new working days. It does not mean you expect them to deliver the same work in less time for less money.

Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?

I think being a mother can help develop a wealth of skills that are valuable in the workplace, so do not question your value or if you still belong in the room. You do.