#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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Being a #GirlDad rules.
PS - We are hiring! #SheerID
Customer-centric, strategic thinker, revenue driver!
4yCongrats to you and your family and thank you for sharing!!
Benefits Consultant and Advocate with 22+ years in Employee Benefits
4yThis is awesome!! ♥️
Happily married 43 years and helping make Eugene better one good deed at a time!
4yCongratulations Chase! You (and your wife's) life will change forever and you'll be AMAZED how much you love that little person. You should treasure this time because they grow up faster than you ever thought was possible, then move out - like to Sweden...
Chief Product Officer @ Videon
4yGreat post, Chase! Finally, a very personal article about work/life balance that belongs in LinkedIn (and not Facebook).
Very thoughtful and well said. Congrats!