Flexible working during school holidays: why it matters for families (and Quorum!)

The Office for National Statistics data shows that around two‑thirds of families with dependent children have both parents in work. Among parents, around 75% of mothers and 92% of fathers with dependent children are in paid employment.

School holidays are rarely “time off” for working parents and carers and so this affects many of our employees. Therefore we don’t feel it’s something we can ignore.

Flexible working is part of how we operate day to day at Quorum. We have a simple aim: we don’t want to make people choose between doing their job well and doing their life well!

What Flexibility Actually Helps With

As with all flex, it means different things to different people, but the main “benefits” that we see during the holidays are that:

• People have more control over the working day, making it easier to plan around clubs, childcare, appointments and family routines.
• There is less stress when plans change, which they often do at short notice.
• We maintain continuity at work, so people can keep projects moving rather than constantly stopping and starting.

None of this removes responsibility or stops work getting done. In fact, it’s quite the opposite and it’s a win/win for the company and our employees.

Why Leadership Matters

Flex at Quorum is visible and reflected in lots of the people leading the business.

A quarter of our Directors’ Board are working mums, and most of our directors have children. That matters because decisions are made by people who understand the pressures associated with being a working parent.

When flexibility is normal at leadership level, it sets a tone that shows others that family life is understood and respected.

Being Honest About The Limits

Flexible working helps, but we need to be realistic and of course it isn’t magic. Client needs don’t pause for holidays and our workload still exists. We still have occasions where people are required to be onsite

Our approach is to be open about that. We encourage early conversations, realistic planning and clear expectations so teams can work together. If something can’t be adjusted, we explain why and look at what else might help.

Flexibility relies on trust and communication on all sides. It won’t always be perfect, but the aim is to make it fair and workable.

What Makes Flexibility Work in Practice

We have found that flex works best for us when we focus on outcomes. Planning ahead for known pressure points, like school holidays, makes a big difference. When people feel trusted and supported, it benefits everyone and so we try to be as flexible as possible as long as the work is getting done.

Each holiday period is slightly different. Looking back at what worked and what didn’t helps teams improve things next time.

Work and Family Sit Alongside Each Other

Work and family life shouldn’t be competing priorities.

By focusing on trust, understanding and realistic expectations, Quorum aims to support parents at home and at work. School holidays will always bring extra demands. A culture shaped by people who understand that can make those weeks manageable rather than exhausting.

Parents shouldn’t need to explain or excuse being parents. We think good work happens when people are supported to manage real life alongside it.