Reflections on National Work Life Week

A Blog Post by Victoria Sanderson, Unfolding Theatre Marketing Manager 

Last week, we had planned to share a blog post about National Work Life Week, celebrating our commitment to flexible working at Unfolding Theatre. Ironically, life had other plans. Between juggling the R&D for our new show Here Be Dragons and several other projects, the week also brought floods, child illness, and a school closure into my world. For many of us on the team, it was a reminder of just how unpredictable life can be sometimes and how important flexibility is in our working lives. 

At first, I considered brushing off the missed deadline as "one of those things." But when you're writing about flexible working, it feels important to lean into that very reality. So here it is. That blog post. Slightly later than planned but probably making its point more. 

That, in itself, is the essence of flexibility. 

Since 2010, National Work Life Week has been Working Families’ annual campaign, encouraging both employers and employees to have open conversations about wellbeing and work-life balance. This year, the focus is on exploring what flexible working means to different people, across a variety of job roles and industries. The theme really resonates with us here at Unfolding Theatre, as we strive to create a culture where flexible working is an intrinsic part of how we work. 

We’re proud of the different types of flexible working available in our team. Whether it’s adjusting hours to fit around childcare, working remotely, or offering time off in lieu during busier periods, we try to be responsive to the needs of each individual. 

But what’s just as important is how flexibility impacts our wellbeing. Flexible working isn’t about simply finding time to do your job—it’s about recognising that work is just one aspect of our lives. For me, that balance means being there for my child when they’re ill or dealing with unexpected challenges like school closures, all without feeling like I'm failing in my role at work.   

When we have that balance, we're more present, productive, and engaged in the workplace.