How E.ON provides support for our working families

At E.ON, we are proud to have a wide range of supportive and inclusive colleague networks with more than one in four colleagues being actively involved.

Our Working Families network is a space that supports parents-to-be and existing 'parents' including guardians, foster, adoptive, co-parent, grandparent and step-parents. The space is also inclusive of their line managers to fully integrate a network of support and understanding - something we consider to be a core part of E.ON life.

We spoke to Charlee Williams, ER Policy Specialist, about the network as she provides us with an insight into the Working Families community. 

If you were to describe your network in 5 words, what would they be?

I would describe it as a ‘supportive community with open ears’. 

What support does E.ON provide as a company to those who benefit from the Working Families network?

E.ON are very supportive of us as an inclusion network. We have a wide range of representatives both across the organisation and with different family makeups and experiences who sit on the steering committee for the Working Families network. This allows us to cover a wide variety of topics across the working family spectrum through sharing stories, tips, raising awareness and influencing policy as appropriate.

E.ON listen and support in many ways that range from making changes to policy and procedure, to improving the journey of pregnancy in the workplace, in addition to returning to work after maternity leave. Our colleagues also benefit from having the platform to connect with others and realise you are not alone.

The network gives you a voice to share your experiences and be heard without judgement and be met with understanding around whatever your family circumstances are.

Can you describe a time when you initiated or contributed to a project or initiative within the E.ON workplace community that focused on supporting working families?

Working Families have had strong involvement in the implementation of Equal Parent Leave, Neonatal Care Leave, Fertility Leave along with the continued support for Working Dad’s.

What support does E.ON provide as a company to those who benefit from the Working Families network?

E.ON are very supportive of us as an inclusion network. We have a wide range of representatives both across the organisation and with different family makeups and experiences who sit on the steering committee for the Working Families network. This allows us to cover a wide variety of topics across the working family spectrum through sharing stories, tips, raising awareness and influencing policy as appropriate.

E.ON listen and support in many ways that range from making changes to policy and procedure, to improving the journey of pregnancy in the workplace, in addition to returning to work after maternity leave. Our colleagues also benefit from having the platform to connect with others and realise you are not alone.

The network gives you a voice to share your experiences and be heard without judgement and be met with understanding around whatever your family circumstances are.

How do you encourage participation within the Working Families network, ensuring it remains a supportive space for sharing experiences, challenges, and resources related to work-life balance and family responsibilities?

We believe that story telling is the most powerful tool above any policies and procedures therefore we continue to encourage members to share stories to raise awareness. We also cross collaborate across E.ON’s other networks to ensure we’re reaching others who may relate.

How do you encourage participation within the Working Families network, ensuring it remains a supportive space for sharing experiences, challenges, and resources related to work-life balance and family responsibilities?

We believe that story telling is the most powerful tool above any policies and procedures therefore we continue to encourage members to share stories to raise awareness. We also cross collaborate across E.ON’s other networks to ensure we’re reaching others who may relate.

What does the future look like for the Working Families network and what goals are you looking forward to achieving?

We are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved for working families at E.ON in the last couple of years and really want to spend some time reflecting and showcasing this, reaching as many colleagues as possible.

We will continue to share stories, tips as well as focuses on bigger pieces such as our, 'So What’s It Like' blogs and relaunching the Parenting Journeys Guidance.

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We’re recognised as an employer setting the standards for others to follow, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive society. 

Our people are what E.ON is all about. Every day, our colleagues are working hard to help people across the UK be more energy efficient and contribute towards a better future.