Speaking during an online session hosted by AWTE and TTG Media, representatives from across the sector discussed “parent guilt” and the pressures of juggling a successful career with a busy family life.

Anna Perrott, head of supplier relations at Panache Cruises, who has just celebrated her baby’s first birthday admitted she had struggled when it came to trying to feel successful at work, worrying that she was missing out on bed times.

Vicky Billing head of commercial partnerships at Riviera Travel agreed and revealed she lost all confidence after returning to work from maternity leave. The pair have recently launched new support group Back In Time For Bed with the aim of offering parents and guardians advice on childcare.

Elsewhere during the discussion TTG CEO Dan Pearce shared his experience as a working dad, confiding that “dad guilt” was also very real. He urged other male leaders in the industry to acknowledge their vulnerability. “Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable – there are lots of alpha males in this sector, but it’s important to have an open culture. At any business you have to set the tone from the top.”

HR expert Claire Steiner pointed out many problems experienced by employees “can be fixed through communication” and she highlighted changes to statutory maternity pay, which will see a 10% increase from April. She also urged companies to investigate programmes such as workplace nursery schemes to help alleviate the costs of childcare, which host Lindsay Garvey-Jones acknowledged was a huge issue for parents, with the subject raised consistently throughout the discussion.

Meanwhile Debbie O’Neil, general manager at Jules Verne, discussed “emotional hygiene” as she stressed “parents are often too busy being busy and feeling guilty to focus on their own emotions. “We owe it to our families to give the best version of ourselves. You need to take time to think what do I need to be ok,” she added.

Watch the session in full above.

Join the Back In Time for Bed Facebook group here.