Ben's Open Approach to Work-Family Equilibrium

In a world where juggling career aspirations and family commitments can be a daunting task, working parents like Ben Ryrie provide us with some insight into their busy lives and the strategies they use to try and find balance.

Ben, a loving husband and father of two energetic boys, with another child on the way, adeptly balances his family life and professional responsibilities. I was lucky enough to sit down with Ben and he graciously shared his experiences, strategies, and lessons learned that have guided him through the difficult journey of balancing work and family life.

Weaving Together the Threads of Family and Career

For Ben, the secret to successful balancing lies in dismantling the notion of work and family as separate entities.

"Work and family aren't two separate things that need to be kept apart at all costs; they are completely interwoven"

Communication with his wife takes center stage, serving as the cornerstone for their seamless collaboration. They maintain a shared family calendar, meticulously planning each week to manage expectations and avoid unnecessary surprises.

The couple's Sunday evening ritual of planning the week ahead sets the stage for a smoother journey. This proactive approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility, with equal investment in the family's well-being.

As an advocate of flexibility, Ben ingeniously carves out pockets of family time during his workday.

"Creating space for family time is really important - I might start or finish my day earlier to go to swimming lessons or pick them up from school and then do some work later in the evening once they’re asleep, not because I have to or it's expected of me, but because it suits me."

As much as possible Ben embraces the unpredictable nature of parenthood and tries to not “sweat the small stuff.” When the boys are home they sometimes provide entertaining interruptions during meetings and serve as a reminder of life's unpredictability. Embracing such moments rather than resisting them or apologising for them has become a valuable lesson that Ben carries into his professional life.

In the greater scheme of things having this flexibility, autonomy and time with family is well worth any small interruption or inconvenience.

The Art of Time Management

In a fast-paced world, finding meaningful time with family can be challenging. Ben, who primarily works from home, believes in capitalising on short windows during the day. He chips away at small tasks as much as possible during lunch breaks, allowing the weekends to be focused on relaxation and fun as much as possible.

This not only keeps the household running smoothly but also lets the family make the most of their weekends and the time they are all together. As an added benefit it’s also a great way to get up and move away from the desk where he spends a great deal of time.

One thing Ben was passionate about was his strong encouragement to parents to cut themselves some slack and embrace downtime.

"As parents we often guilt ourselves and feel like if we’re not filling the kids days with activities it’s a poor reflection on us as parents. My boys swim and ride bikes and play outside but they also watch TV and eat things they shouldn’t and that’s fine. 

Zoning out and relaxing is perfectly fine for adults and fine for kids as well.  As a parent, you need to give yourself a break sometimes."

Patience: A Virtue for Both Home and Office

Ben and his youngest son are incredibly similar in terms of temperament and the strength of their emotions which has been a steep parenting challenge at times and a real lesson in patience and calmness under pressure.

Embracing the challenge of becoming more even tempered has meant a closer connection with his youngest son and also over time transformed Ben's approach to his work environment as well.

This greater self-awareness has translated into improved communication and problem-solving skills, elevating his professional interactions.

A Well-Orchestrated Routine

Ben's routine is a reflection of his prioritisation strategy as a working parent:

• Every day begins with breakfast with the family, getting his boys ready for daycare or whatever else they have planned, emphasising the commitment to shared responsibilities as parents. This is particularly relevant at the moment with a tired pregnant lady in the house!

• His daily ritual of visiting the beach for a coffee and a walk before work not only offers him a moment of solitude but also prepares him mentally for the day ahead.

By working in partnership,  creating space for one another and covering for each other's commitments or needs, they tame the chaos together.

Personal Growth through Parenthood

Parenthood is a journey of personal growth. Ben's advice here was simple:

"Be kind to yourself! Particularly as a first time parent. You're learning the basics - your number 1 job is to keep them alive! Be open to the real fact that it's not going to be easy and things will go wrong but you are learning and you will get there."

For Ben and his family, this growth prompted a change of scenery, leaving the city for a sea change on the NSW South Coast.

The move propelled a deeper assessment of what truly matters and a change in lifestyle that emphasises nature, simplicity, and quality time. And despite the distance, Canva 's supportive and inclusive environment and occasional visits to the office ensure Ben always feels connected.

Ask and give help to others

"The learning curve of parenting is steep, and perfection isn't the goal. Knowing what you don’t know or when you need help is critical."

Seeking support from others going through similar experiences can alleviate the challenges of this journey and was crucial in Ben’s case. He emphasises that vulnerability is a strength not a weakness, urging men to embrace their role as caregivers and seek help when they need it.

As parents, professionals, and individuals, we can draw invaluable insights from his story. The strength of communication, the art of flexibility and the virtue of patience, can enrich our lives too as we navigate the delicate balance between our roles and responsibilities.

Canva's Inclusive Culture and Supportive Environment

Canva, renowned for its inclusive and forward-thinking culture, stands out as a beacon of support for not only working parents, but all employees.

Canva's exceptional workplace culture, characterised by autonomy, trust, and flexibility, extends genuine care and support to its employees, regardless of location.  Even as a full-time remote worker, Ben never feels disconnected from the company's vibrant culture, thanks to ways of working and the care and hard work of Canva’s "Vibe Team." This dedicated team orchestrates events and programs that cater to both in-office and remote employees, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie across the business.

The company's commitment to empowering working parents is exemplified by its generous and flexible Parental Leave Program. Ben praises Canva's approach, highlighting the remarkable flexibility that this program offers. Canva's policy doesn't limit access to parental leave based on tenure, making it a truly inclusive benefit for all employees to have access to from day one.

It’s this flexibility and attention to detail that sets Canva apart and it’s obvious to Ben and others who work there that their wellbeing and happiness is top priority. The company's genuine care and consciousness shine through, making it clear that Canva's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment is not words on a page, but a part of the DNA that enriches the lives of all its employees.

Canva stands out as a champion for its employees.