Mela Lush: Unlocking the Hidden Workforce

If you have ever wished for a role that has hours that suit the caregiving responsibilities you have, then this episode is for you. We interview mother, social entrepreneur and founder of Jobs for Mums, Mela Lush. Mela is on a mission to help parents get work that works for everyone. Jobs for Mums is a social enterprise that connects parents and caregivers with flexible work opportunities in New Zealand. With a deep commitment to driving a movement for family-friendly work aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Mela is determined to smash the motherhood penalty one job at a time. Our conversation covers:A business born from the living room and out of the need for family friendly work. How the hidden workforce can solve $80 trillion global skills shortage.Why the Motherhood Penalty is the single biggest thing to hit your career. Part time work and how there can be perceptions that those who take this work on are somehow less committed. How it can be common to experience the thought of “I now have a job not a career”.Work systems and how jobs were architected were designed 100 years ago and they don’t work for any parent now – we need more innnovation.The importance of all parents lifting each other up. Re-thinking how you write job descriptions, whether roles could done with term time contracts, being open to flexibility, thinking about returnships (just like internships but for those that have had a career break) – a way to unlock hidden talent. Being an agitator for change by becoming curious with your employer and asking questions. Resources DiscussedBook Recommendation: “The Wife Drought” Annabel CrabbTo contact Mela and find out more about Jobs or Mums please use the links below: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/jobs_for_mums_newzealand/Connect with EmmaThis podcast was funded by Works for Everyone, a business based in NZ and operating globally that supports working parents to stay in the leadership pipeline through coaching, workshops, and advocacy.  Your host, Emma Mclean, is a mother of three teenagers, an Executive Coach and the Founder of Works for Everyone. Following a successful 25-year career in corporate marketing, Emma launched her business in 2019 to put a care wrap around working parents at the hardest time in their career. She is an ACC certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, the recipient of the 2022 Jaguar/Viva She Sets the Pace Community Grant, alumni of the 2021 NZ Leadership Programme, and a Swiftie (a lifelong Taylor Swift fan). To work with Emma or enquire about speaking – [email protected] www.worksforeveryone.co.nzhttps://www.instagram.com/worksforeveryone/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mclean-9176217/