Nicola Brewer, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has a point that the extension of maternity leave and plans to extend the right to request flexible working hours might be seen as damaging to women’s careers (“Extending maternity leave may harm female jobseekers”, PM Online). However, a flexible employer will be able to attract and retain top-quality staff who are committed and able to deliver results while combining work with the demands of a young family. This applies to both men and women. People who work flexibly are just as committed to getting the job done, are positive and keen to deliver – it is often the culture of the organisation that hampers effectiveness and encourages the perception of being sidelined and “parking” career aspirations.