Meet our family: “Flexibility is needed for a range of needs” – Julia Curties, Receptionist

Julia had been working full-time but when her mother needed extra help something needed to change.

Julia originally came to the Colchester clinic, in September 2006, to temp for one day. She impressed senior management so much they asked her to stay on and she became a full-time receptionist in the busy fertility and IVF clinic.

“There is always a lot to be done,” says Julia, “notes to prepare for clinic, appointments to arrange – tests, consultations, counselling sessions – documents to be scanned and taking payments for private patients. Working with the patients is very interesting and I enjoy working as part of the reception team.”

Unexpectedly in 2014, Julia’s mum, aged 82, became very ill and was in and out of hospital over several months. Since then she has been house-bound and reliant on help and support from carers and her three children, including Julia.

Starting to feel the strain, Julia approached Senior Management in December 2014 to see if she could reduce her days from five to four.

“Mum used to be very independent but now is needing more and more done for her, so I do the shopping and help make her tea. I don’t mind this but it can be difficult to find time for myself.

“As the Colchester clinic is so busy I was worried about letting the team down but they were very supportive and I’m pleased I asked.”

It was agreed Julia would reduce her days from five to four.

“I now have Thursday off, which has made a huge difference for me. I have a chance to catch up with all my own things as well as Mum’s whilst continuing to enjoy my front-line work.

“It’s a common misconception that it is only for child-care employers need to be flexible. There can be other reasons such as caring for an elderly relative and I’m most grateful to Sarah Pallett, our Clinic Manager, for being understanding to my circumstances and allowing me to change my hours so I can have ‘me’ time plus continue to help the staff and patients, which I so greatly enjoy.”

Julia’s efforts and work is appreciated – by staff and patients – and her kindness with patients and her consistent performance has made her a winner in the national ‘Office Professional Awards’.

Sarah Pallett says: “Julia is a fantastic receptionist. She always goes the extra mile to make sure that everything is running smoothly. She is a deserving winner of the award and we didn’t hesitate to accommodate her need to adjust her work life balance.”

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