For many in the workforce, work-life balance seems like an unattainable goal. The struggle to achieve upward advancement, while taking time for personal goals and relationships, can seem nearly impossible at times. Some of the most significantly impacted by the quest for work-life balance are working parents.
The aftermath of COVID-19 has brought with it a new normal for workers in almost every industry, with an increased acceptance– and in some cases, even enthusiasm – for remote work and hybrid work that has brought significant benefits in establishing an equilibrium between personal and professional time.
Some companies, like Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, (INTUITIVE®), have long recognized the value of creating a work environment that fosters a respect for employee’s priorities both in and out of the office. Acknowledging and respecting an individual’s needs to take time for themselves and their families has always been a core value at INTUITIVE and is reflected in the company’s culture as well as its policies. INTUITIVE values flexibility, offering resources that allow employees to be successful in the environment in which they are most productive.
Work-life Balance Isn’t Just a Practice at INTUITIVE, It’s Part of the Culture.
INTUITIVE’s Contract Leader Samantha Shores has been with the company for more than 16 years, just four years longer than she’s been a parent.
“In all my time here, I’ve never felt that I couldn’t be there for my kids,” Shores said. “Whether they were home sick or had events I wanted to attend, my managers have always been understanding and supportive.”
Shores added that the managers she has worked with during her tenure have all felt the same way. “Clearly work-life balance is built into the culture here.”
How COVID Changed Work… For the Better
The advent of COVID began the march toward work-from-home then on to hybrid options. While Shores’ experiences as a working parent began before the pandemic, her experiences post-pandemic have only been enhanced by the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.
“INTUITIVE’s post-covid hybrid flexible schedule allows me to be home when needed, and still get face-to-face interaction with clients and co-workers,” said Shores. “It also allows us to put families at the top as priorities. No one can give 100% to everything all the time, it’s always a give-and-take. But the company is always willing to work with us because they understand that this time goes by so quickly.”
According to a 2022 Gallup poll, The Advantages and Challenges of Hybrid Work, the majority of employees surveyed believe their current hybrid arrangements improve their personal well-being and productivity at work. That data point definitely resonates with Chris Ramsden, Senior Mechanical Engineer for INTUITIVE.
Ramsden has enjoyed the work-life balance the company’s hybrid work model has afforded him. As the father of two pre-teen sons and a young daughter, Ramsden particularly values the aspects of hybrid work that allow him to take on a bigger role in parenting.
“Last week, my wife was sick,” said Ramsden. “Fortunately, I was able to telework, which allowed me to help her and the kids.” Ramsden added that this was a huge improvement over past situations, where he would’ve had to miss an entire week of work or find someone else to help at home.
Hybrid Work Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid work provides the flexibility for employees to work in ways that are most effective for them, giving them the flexibility to pursue both family and personal efforts that help improve or maintain both physical and mental health. Ramsden, who is an avid runner, notes that hybrid work gives him the opportunity to keep up with this activity.
“On the days I work from home, I have the flexibility to run before I start work rather than spending that time commuting. On the days I’m in the office, I can connect with my coworkers to run at lunch,” Ramsden said. “It’s definitely the best of both worlds.”
Ready to Meet Challenges Head On
The most common challenge facing hybrid work is technology. According to the same Gallup poll, 35% of respondents noted lack of access to resources as the biggest challenge to a hybrid work environment. But that challenge has already been resolved at INTUITIVE.
Shores commends the IT team at INTUITIVE for their work in preparing the company to continue successful, effective work during and after the pandemic. “IT did a lot of work to make it possible for people to work from home and for people at the office to connect to those at home. We have new meeting rooms at the office – designated as Teams meeting rooms – so we can see everyone in the room,” she said. “It’s like having everyone in the room together. It definitely helps keep the connection among those at the office and those at home.” INTUITIVE’s leadership team took these investments seriously to ensure longevity and ease for employees.
Making the Right Move
While there is always value in having codified policies in place, the culture at INTUITIVE invites employees to take advantage of the freedom and flexibility those policies offer without concern about career repercussions, guilt, or stress.
“Flexibility is one thing I find so valuable in my job here because time with my kids is so precious,” said Ramsden. “Being able to attend my sons’ sports events—I can’t put a price tag on that. I get to see how different it is with my daughter, recognizing the things I missed with my boys. I had to pick and choose things when the boys were younger; I don’t have to do that anymore.”
If the current job market has you rethinking your current career path, consider joining an organization committed to employee flexibility and work-life balance, as well as ethics, diversity, and giving back.
From the smallest task to the largest implementation, INTUITIVE takes great pride in its reputation for service excellence and for keeping its commitments. It is also committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and doing business with diverse suppliers.
If INTUITIVE sounds like the kind of cutting-edge organization you’d like to join – and become one of the innovative, empathetic problem solvers committed to giving back to the community – explore INTUITIVE’s available positions by clicking here.
About Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation:
INTUITIVE® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, software and systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping, and technology management to the Department of Defense, other State and Federal Government agencies, and commercial companies. Our approach couples the latest technology with engineering expertise, analytical proficiency, and keen managerial oversight. From design through production to sustainment, we proudly provide management and technical solutions throughout all phases of the system’s life cycle.