Imagine a world where new pharmacy parents are not just returning to work, but are actively supported to thrive both as professionals and as caregivers. As a candidate for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s English Pharmacy Board elections, I am passionate about creating a future where pharmacy professionals can seamlessly integrate their career aspirations with their family life.
As a dedicated mother and a committed pharmacist, I am extremely familiar with the challenges that come with balancing career ambitions and parental responsibilities. Inspired by similar successful initiatives in other professions, I aim to establish robust support platforms specifically designed for new parents. These platforms will offer tailored coaching, mentoring, and resources to help new parents transition back into their professional roles after parental leave, without missing a beat!
The cornerstone of my proposal entails the development of comprehensive mentorship programmes, modelled on the best practices from fields that have successfully supported returning professionals. These programmes will not only provide practical advice on managing professional growth but will also address the emotional and logistical aspects of balancing work and home life.
By advocating for policies that support parental leave, I aim to foster an environment where no parent is ever forced to choose between their career and family. This will help to ensure that returning parents do not feel penalised for their time away from work but are instead welcomed back with opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
My vision extends beyond individual benefits. By creating a supportive and understanding workplace culture, we enhance productivity, job satisfaction and overall morale. This culture of empathy and respect will make our profession a leader in employee satisfaction and retention, setting an example for others to follow as well as setting a precedent for future generations.
Ultimately, this is not merely about enhancing productivity; it is about building a legacy of compassion, respect and support within our profession. We have the power to transform our workplaces into environments where every parent feels valued, empowered and fully capable of achieving their professional and personal goals.
I am eager to drive this change and work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to create a more supportive workplace. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of pharmacy professionals and their families, promoting a healthy balance which benefits everyone.
Maria Nasim
