Accelerating Action for Women: How LHi’s PACE Community Supports Balance, Growth, and Opportunity

At LHi, we believe that true success is measured not only by our business achievements but also by how we support our people through every stage of life. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of Accelerate Action, it’s the perfect moment to highlight how our PACE (Parents and Carers Employee) community empowers women. It is designed to help women balance personal responsibilities and professional ambitions.

How do we support women returning from maternity leave?

For many women, returning to work after maternity leave is a pivotal moment. Our structured return-to-work programme helps make that transition smoother, offering flexibility, personalised support, and access to external career coaching during the first 12 months back.

The need for this kind of support is clear, According to Careers After Babies, 44% of women earn less than they did before having children, with career recovery taking more than a decade. Additionally, the number of female managers drops by 32% after having children, while the number of women in administrative roles increases by 44%, highlighting the challenges in career progression post-maternity.

Regular check-ins with the PACE leader during pregnancy and after returning ensure that every woman has the support she needs to regain confidence, navigate new challenges, and accelerate her career journey.

Family-Friendly Policies That Drive Change

Understanding the importance of better support for working parents, we have spent the past few years implementing meaningful policies that empower new mothers and enable women to thrive in all aspects of life.

• “The Little Things” leave: Five fully paid days annually for parents until their child turns 18, giving time for school events, family appointments, or those moments that truly matter.
• Doubled paternity leave: Encouraging shared caregiving responsibilities by offering four weeks of fully paid leave for fathers.
• Carer’s leave: Five fully paid days to support loved ones during illness or medical appointments.
• Bath Time Benefit: This allows parents the flexibility to be present for essential family routines, like bedtime.

Championing Women in Leadership

Taking action also means ensuring women have a voice at every level. Our PACE community is led by Kim Pasteau, Director and Head of Marketing, who draws from her own experiences as a returning mother. Under her leadership, PACE has championed policies that reflect the real needs of working women and foster an environment where they can thrive.

This International Women’s Day, we’re reminded that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s built through consistent action and support. At LHi, we’re committed to creating an environment where women feel empowered to grow, lead, and succeed, without having to choose between personal responsibilities and professional ambition.