Carer or career? Working at AXA means I don't have to choose

I'm Diane and I'm an SME Portfolio Manager at AXA, and I'm also a carer for my dad. Many people need to make a choice between continuing their career and caring for a loved one. But that doesn't have to be the case. Here's my experience of how a supportive company and culture can help me to do both.

What do you think are some of the common misconceptions around carers / caring?

People think of carers as people who look after loved ones who are immobile or require constant support. I know that’s what I thought before I realised that caring covers all levels of care, from full-time care right down to doing the weekly shop for your Grandma. Or, as is my case, doing my dad’s ‘life-admin’ such as organising his insurance, contacting his bank, or going along to his medical appointments to help him understand what he’s being told. Caring is helping a loved one to do the things they find challenging or are not able to do themselves.

How do you balance your caring responsibilities with your work at AXA?

I'm fortunate to have a wonderful manager with whom I share an honest and open relationship. When I need to take some time to support my dad, we talk openly to consider the impact and ensure all responsibilities are managed effectively from both a personal and work standpoint. We both recognize that flexible working arrangements help meet the needs of both the business and myself.

Why is it important to support carers in the workplace?

Caring is something which most of us don’t choose to do, it’s something we need or must do. While it gives us an opportunity to build stronger and closer relationships with those we care for, it also takes time and patience and can be a very emotionally complex thing. Whilst I love spending time with my dad, there have been times where I’ve felt frustrated, and even a little resentful, which then led to feelings of guilt and anxiety.

Caring can impact every part of your life, not only your mental health, but your physical and financial one too. So many people reduce their hours, or give up work entirely to care for the people they love. Providing the right support, help and guidance can make life so much easier for carers, not only enabling them to manage their work and caregiving responsibilities more effectively but also improving their mental health and overall wellbeing.

How important is it to you to have a network like the Carers@AXA Network?

Before I found the Carers@AXA Network, I’d been caring for my dad for two years after my mum passed away. None of my friends were in a similar position and I didn’t even know what I was doing was ‘caring’. I just felt trapped and isolated, and like I was failing as a daughter! I remember the first Carers@AXA Network call I joined — I literally sat and cried through the call because I realised that I was a carer, and that knowledge finally gave me permission to recognise the burden I was carrying. Understanding this helped me to then seek support which gave me back so much time, energy and control. No matter what I am going through in my caring journey, someone else in the Carers@AXA community had been in a similar position and was able to offer support. The empathy and understanding from everyone in the Carers community is incredible — it’s become a vital part of my support network!

Would you recommend a career at AXA?

Absolutely. I joined AXA as a Temp 21 years ago, and I've enjoyed both career development and personal progression. I know I can bring my whole self to work and be 100% me, and AXA recognise this diversity as one of our greatest strengths. On top of this, knowing they recognise my caring responsibilities is a massive gift — I don't have to worry if I’ll be able to go with my dad to his next hospital appointment. I know AXA and my manager will be there to support and help me to do these things, and that’s invaluable.