by Jamie Ee Wen Wei

A 14-hour workday. Stay-at-home mum. Freelance writer. Flexi-hour worker.

Been there, done that, says Ms June Lee, 38.

When she gave birth to her only child Jonathan six years ago, she quit her producer and editor job at Channel NewsAsia to take care of him.

But the 15-year media industry veteran was restless.

'I loved my job, but I couldn't work 14-hour days any more,' she said.

She settled on freelance writing, forgoing the benefits of full-time employment.

Then, two years ago, local media company Mega Media approached her to work on its first video-on-demand channel in high definition, Mom-on-Demand HD.

Now, the marketing and communications manager works 'flexi-hours': She goes to the office three days a week, and her son tags along.

The company's commitment to work-life balance stands out in an industry used to long hours.

Last month, Mega Media spent $500 to convert an office into a kids-friendly space. All mums in the firm, and their children, had a hand in it.

They painted the walls and brought in their own books, toys and craft material.

General manager Peggy Lim explained the firm's move: 'If you take away the guilt and the stress points that most mums feel about going back to work, and work around their constraints, you'll find them much happier and more productive.'

The company's staff now also enjoy more benefits. Paternity leave, for instance, has been increased from a day to five days. Last month, a human resource consultant was engaged to look into the needs of singles in the firm.

Executive producer Christine Leow, 37, who telecommutes or takes her three children to work, said flexi-work has never meant 'inconveniencing' colleagues.

Ms Lee agreed: 'I work harder to prove it can be done. I'm on e-mail with my staff after Jonathan goes to bed.'

The company's pro-family stance is bearing fruit, as she may want more children.

'I was hesitant to have a second child. But with this flexible arrangement, my husband and I see work-life integration as possible.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 20, 2008.