Having it all
n programs support work life balance
By JESSICA R. KEY
Earlier this year there was an article written by an Ivy League professor that stated despite popular belief, women cannot “have it all.” Whether one agrees or disagrees, many Indiana businesses are making this concept attainable for all of their employees.
Many Hoosiers are voicing their desires to maintain a balance between work, family and personal wellness and in some instances, companies are seeing happier, healthier and more productive workers.
One such company is Borshoff, an Indianapolis advertising, branding and public relations agency.
Susan Matthews, managing principal at the firm said that when founding principal Myra Borshoff Cook started the company over 28 years ago, the first office was just a few blocks away from her home, making it convenient for Cook to work and take care of her two young children.
“That laid the groundwork,” said Matthews, who at one point considered resigning her position to care for her young children, however she was able to work from home and return to the office in a year.
Today Borshoff has multiple programs and initiatives that help employees feel empowered in their jobs and maintain a healthy balance. One of their many programs is called Bring Your Baby to Work. An employee brought the concept to the attention of Borshoff management and they decided to try it.
The company created policies that include accepting babies in the workplace that are between 6 weeks and 6 months old; equipment and supplies must be provided by parents; participants get a slight reduction on their pay; and a mandatory signed legal agreement.
The result was the retention of effective employees, help for parents returning to work after birth or adoption, positive client reactions and increased productivity among other favorable outcomes.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone – that’s what we didn’t realize. We thought it would be great for parents, but the unexpected wow was so many of the employees love having the little ones at work,” said Matthews. “We’re a business first, but boy, does this make coming to work a lot more fun.”
Because of their company success, acceptance of work/life balance and innovation in company support programs, Borshoff was ranked as “2012 Best Places to Work in Indiana.” It was also named one of this year’s Top Places to Work in PR, by PR News. Borshoff is among just 30 companies in the nation to be recognized with this honor.
“We work hard to make Borshoff a place you want to come to every day. There’s a lot of collaboration, community, teamwork and flexibility and we stick to our values,” said Matthews.
It’s not just smaller companies who are creating in-house programs that make work/life balance more manageable. Old National Bank is very committed to ensuring employees on all levels have the tools and options to make everything fit together.
“That is really a commitment that comes from the top. Bob Jones our CEO was the one who put Janet Baas in the role of diversity and work life program director to make sure we were hearing and understanding employees’ needs and addressing them accordingly,” said Kathy Schoettlin, chief community relations and social responsibility officer for Old National Bank.
Amy Casadant, volunteer and work life program manager for Old National said some of those employee needs were financial counseling; elder and child care resources; an emergency needs fund; comprehensive benefits packages; an annual associate engagement survey; and the Work life-Fit Taskforce that was created a year ago among others. They recently enhanced their vacation policy and have plans to train managers on alternative work schedules.
Old National is constantly refreshing its policies and also makes sure management is well trained in implementing programs.
“We even allow two hours of paid time off a month to people who like volunteering. Hours can be used anywhere from employees’ child’s school to any organization they are passionate about,” said Baas.
Local law firm Ice Miller LLP has also gotten national attention for its commitment to making sure employees’ needs are valued. The firm was recently named among the 2012 “50 Best Law Firms for Women,” by Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers, a work life and networking consulting firm.
Ice Miller was recognized for the firm’s continued attention to family-friendly policies and business development initiatives that are retaining women and advancing them into leadership roles.
“We are committed to the professional advancement of women in our firm,” said Ice Miller deputy managing partner Brenda Horn. “Family friendly values and equality of opportunities are embedded in our culture.”
Elizabeth L. Malatestinic, senior lecturer in human resource management at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, said that while there are many companies who are remaining traditional or reward single employees or employees who have a great support system at home, more and more are looking at how to incorporate employees’ quests to have a great job and a fulfilled private life into the work culture.
“Once upon a time, there was the attitude that your personal life and your work life was separate. Dads worked and moms stayed home. Today, people just don’t want to sacrifice that time with their kids. There’s a real concern for flexibility in the workplace,” said Malatestinic.
She said studies have shown that flexibility in a job position directly impacts how long an employee will stay with a company. Companies are taking notice not only to stay competitive amongst others in their field, but that advancements in technology allow people to work away from the office or have flexible hours. Furthermore, Malatestinic said people who are in management positions have the same challenges as lower level employees.
“They realize you don’t stop being who you are just because you get to work,” said Malatestinic.
She went on to say that among companies that currently do not embrace balance programs, as long as unemployment is high, they will be able to maintain their stance. Once the economy improves, they will most certainly feel pressure to offer in-house programs that mirror employees’ needs.
While work life balance programs are attractive, there can be a downside. If management doesn’t fully embrace these changes, then the programs will not work. Also working from home is not the best idea for all employees. Malatestinic said oftentimes the distractions of kids, animals and household chores can get in the way of someone who is not focused and responsible with working from home.
Furthermore, people who embrace work life balance should also note that with tablets, computers, smartphones and other devices, sometimes it’s hard to stop working or be unavailable.
