Paid maternity leave is a hot topic but according to one of Australia’s leading design firms, companies should also consider how they are supporting mums with the transition back into the workplace.

Bligh Voller Nield’s Brisbane office has five mothers recently returned from maternity leave, all working non-traditional hours.

BVN principal and Queensland state director David Kelly said while the company offered paid maternity leave they also strongly believed in focusing on supporting mothers when they return to work.

“Companies need to be flexible, especially with the hours new mothers are working,” Mr Kelly said.

“We look at everything on a case-by-case basis, some of our mums work a two or three day week, others do 9-2 pm each day.

“We like to make coming back to the office as easy as possible while also ensuring they are not missing out on any professional and development opportunities.

“With all of the technology now available such as Blackberries and remote access, there’s no reason why companies can’t be flexible with staff working from home.

“It really is an employee market so staff retention is a priority for us as we don’t want to lose the skills and knowledge of any of our team members.”

BVN associate and new mum Hayley Sainsbury said the company had been extremely supportive in assisting her in coming back to work after the birth of her first child Livia, now aged 14 months.

“I work three days in the office plus do six hours from home each week,” Ms Sainsbury said.

“It’s fantastic because I didn’t want to give up work but it also allows me to spend time with Livia.

“It’s a two-way street though – BVN has been extremely accommodating but it’s also up to me to make sure the arrangement works.”

Ms Sainsbury said women often worried about how having children would hinder their career but for her it had not been an issue.

“I certainly haven’t missed out on any opportunities, in fact I’m in a more challenging role now than I was prior to having Livia and working full-time.

“I think it has a lot to say about the company culture as the team is extremely accepting of my hours and it’s not often I feel concerned about having to leave early.

“It’s not unusual to see children around the office because all of the staff know it’s not a problem if they need to come in, some of our clients even bring their kids along to meetings.”

David Kelly said the parent friendly working environment will be incorporated into the design of refurbishment of the BVN Brisbane studio.

“We are considering an area that can be turned into a play-space for kids and we also recognise new mums need a private area for activities such as expressing milk, so we’ll be trying to include a space that can be used as a mothers’ room.”

Bligh Voller Nield is a collaborative architecture and design practice which has grown to become one of Australia’s largest and most respected design firms with over 80 years experience.