#DadLife | My Paid Parental Leave

The moment my wife told me she was pregnant I was ecstatic! Those moments were quickly followed by my mind playing a game of “Fear Pong". Back and forth my mind was battling with the what if’s and fearing for what was ahead - all the change and so much of it would be out of my control.

My mind immediately started thinking about my job and how much time appointments would disrupt my work (stupid, I know). How would I be able to support my wife and ensure I am present for all these important check-ins? #stressed

More frequently I was thinking about when and how the baby would be born. Would they come early? While I was at work? In traffic during rush hour? I suppose these are all things a lot of new parents might think about. (Pro-tip - Not as crazy as the movies portray…usually)

So, when I let my manager know that we were expecting I was relieved with the amount of support and flexibility they offered me. I knew SheerID offered Paid Parental Leave but even more importantly it was packaged with work flexibility. 

Once we inched closer to the due date month I was given the flexibility to work from home to ensure I was able to be closer to my wife if she went into labor. This approach probably made me more productive knowing I was near if the baby was ready to come. Having that peace of mind allowed me to focus on work much better than I would have been being 40 minutes away in the office.

When your employee’s world feels out of control in stressful seasons of life I can’t begin to tell you how valuable it is to give them even a little control of their work environment. 

I am so grateful that my family grew while being at a company that supported not just me but my family. Paid Parental Leave, workplace flexibility, and AMAZING insurance that squashed $50,000+ in medical bills to just $2,600.

In one of the most chaotic and uncontrollable seasons of my life, SheerID supported me and my little family through incredible benefits and flexibility which allowed me to soak up every special moment without fearing bills and time off. So incredibly grateful considering that many, if not most people don't get the same support. #Proud2beSheerID

Having been in and around People Ops for the last decade, this journey of growing my family has allowed me to take the time to recognize and reaffirm 3 things.

1. WOW, women are incredible! Seeing my wife go through pregnancy and handling it with such strength and grace deepened a love I didn't think could be any deeper. I also began to realize that pregnant women in the workplace take on a burden that most times go unnoticed. Sometimes, even having to navigate the challenges of miscarriage and dealing with the pressure of working like business as usual. Women are incredible. And it's a great reminder that you never know what a co-worker is going through. Empathy in the workplace is important. What you do with your empathy in your words and actions are even more important.
2. Employers wanting to win the war on talent and retention need to recognize that the benefits you offer will speak volumes about your company culture. All companies are at different stages and can't offer everything but as you grow your benefits should be growing too. Some of the most important and highly desired benefits cost $0 (workplace flexibility). Great benefits attract and help retain great talent. Companies should strive to impact employees with benefits at all stages of life. Not all benefits have an equal value to employees due to everyone being at different stages of life during their careers. I'm thankful SheerID either met or exceeded my needs in this season of life.
3. Being a #GirlDad rules.

PS - We are hiring! #SheerID