Becoming a MotherBoard Signatory feat. aer studios
As a special spotlight on our MotherBoard Signatories, we caught up with creative technology company aer studios to discuss why they signed up for the MotherBoard Charter and joined the mission of creating tangible change for mothers in the tech industry.
Firstly, can you please introduce your company and what you do?
We’re aer studios. Clients shouldn’t have to choose between outstanding creative and technical rigour. At aer studios they come as standard. We believe that meaningful digital experiences happen when the two come together in perfect harmony.
Why did you become a MotherBoard Signatory?
We're passionate about leading the charge at aer studios and we want to have a positive impact on the tech industry.
There is a gender imbalance in tech, we all know it, at aer studios we also know that we need to change to make us a more exciting opportunity for women and mothers.
Becoming a MotherBoard Signatory will help us create change and allow us to show that you can make a better environment for all women in tech. There is also the added bonus of joining a community working together to make our workplace more inclusive!
“Becoming a MotherBoard Signatory will help us create change and allow us to show that you can make a better environment for all women in tech. There is also the added bonus of joining a community working together to make our workplace more inclusive!”
What are you most looking forward to as signing up as a signatory?
We love our community, with a keen focus on mental health, wellbeing, and diversity. We especially love empowering our team to evolve and flourish. Through the events, resources, and guidance available, we can build momentum and continue to grow an environment where open, positive conversations are the norm.
Why do you think it’s important to make the tech industry more inclusive of mothers and working parents?
If you’ve seen a mother solve a problem, you’ve seen innovation in action! Creativity, resilience, and a constantly fresh approach are what parenting demands and coincidentally what the tech industry thrives on. At its heart, our industry solves problems; it’s our superpower. Overlooking such a skilled group of natural tried and tested problem solvers because of often not much more than outdated policies is a missed opportunity right from the start.
Inclusivity isn’t just about fairness; it enriches our work environment, sparking innovation and mirroring the diverse needs of our users. Embracing the insights of mothers and working parents doesn’t just add value; it opens us to a whole world of ideas and perspectives. As an industry, if we fail to address this issue; we risk driving away the very talent we want to prosper.
“If you’ve seen a mother solve a problem, you’ve seen innovation in action! … Overlooking such a skilled group of natural tried and tested problem solvers because of often not much more than outdated policies is a missed opportunity right from the start. ”
What do you think is the main hurdle stopping employers from being more inclusive?
Often, it's a matter of awareness. Many businesses might not realise the simple yet impactful steps they can take to be more inclusive. It's not always about grand gestures or redefining your core values.
Small changes, seen through a new lens of understanding with a splash of education behind them, can set the stage for significant progress.
What do you the priority should be for creating tangible change for working mums in tech?
The key is in awareness and flexibility. It’s about educating companies on the benefits of options like part-time, flexible working arrangements, or transparent pay practices. By sharing real-world examples, we can illustrate the positive impact of them.
Committing to experimentation and openness to new approaches will both benefit working mothers and women in tech; and encourage an evolution of our industry.
“Consider the support your workplace provides, and ask yourself whether it would meet the needs of a working mother. If the answer is no, it's time to think more expansively and commit to making the necessary changes.”
Any final words of advice for other companies looking to better support mothers in the Tech Industry?
Consider the support your workplace provides, and ask yourself whether it would meet the needs of a working mother. If the answer is no, it's time to think more expansively and commit to making the necessary changes.
MotherBoard is a Business Charter, Community & Event Series, driving tangible change for mums working in the tech industry.
Interested in getting involved? Become a signatory today