Becoming a MotherBoard Signatory feat. GENE Commerce
As a special spotlight on our MotherBoard Signatories, we caught up with e-commerce agency GENE Commerce 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 are an e-commerce agency - we plan and deliver bespoke Adobe Commerce websites and payment solutions for our clients
Why did you become a MotherBoard Signatory?
We have a wonderful team of talent, including many females and mothers. We understand how challenging the return to work can be for mothers, especially in this male-dominated industry. We want to be part of the movement to increase awareness and drive change around supporting mothers and working parents in the tech industry.
“We understand how challenging the return to work can be for mothers, especially in this male-dominated industry. We want to be part of the movement to increase awareness and drive change around supporting mothers and working parents in the tech industry.”
What are you most looking forward to as signing up as a signatory?
Learning about what others are doing to drive change, sharing our own story and hearing those of others, raising awareness within our team, and most of all, being part of a pioneering movement at a key time in our history.
Why do you think it’s important to make the tech industry more inclusive of mothers and working parents?
By not making the tech industry more inclusive of mothers and working parents, we risk losing some fantastic talent, meaning the industry will be poorer in the long term. If we don't get this right soon, this industry will lose its appeal as a progressive industry and struggle to attract future generations of talent.
“By not making the tech industry more inclusive of mothers and working parents, we risk losing some fantastic talent, meaning the industry will be poorer in the long term. If we don't get this right soon, this industry will lose its appeal as a progressive industry and struggle to attract future generations of talent. ”
What do you think is the main hurdle stopping employers from being more inclusive?
Guidance on what is the best or right thing to do. Funds to ensure they can financially cover the needs of a working parent. Fear that they will 'lose out' on time and money invested in those starting their parental journey.
What do you the priority should be for creating tangible change for working mums in tech?
Not all businesses can offer everything they would like to be able to offer working mums in tech, but by knowing what you would like to be able to offer, you can hopefully make a start on tangible actions and reasonable adjustments that can make a difference.
“By having a team you trust in and feel fully supportive of, you should feel confident that the best you can offer across accommodating flexibility, empathy and understanding, along with any financial support you are able to give, is the right package for your company.”
Any final words of advice for other companies looking to better support mothers in the Tech Industry?
By having a team you trust in and feel fully supportive of, you should feel confident that the best you can offer across accommodating flexibility, empathy and understanding, along with any financial support you are able to give, is the right package for your company. Regular review and refinement of this is critical to keeping up to date with your team and continuing to drive standards within the industry.
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