It’s not quite what you think…The Hullet’s do not have an announcement.
In addition to all the activites we do a the Chamber, we also try to be a bit of an experiment tank for the business community. We have an employee (Dot) who “telecommutes” with a flexible office schedule to accomodate taking care of her two children under five. If you have employees that could make this model work, it is great andwe are more than happy to answer questions you might have about it. And if that isn’t enough, we are starting a new experiment.
As many of you know, Katie Moore Aitchinson, our Marketing and Communications Director recently had a baby girl, Tess. As Katie and Dana were trying to figure out daycare plans, it became apparent there was a 6-month window they needed to accomodate before Tess could start with their chosen daycare. I think we all know how stressful the first year of a child’s life is for the parents. You have to develop an entire new routine, sleep less and attempt to balance your work with a new baby. Without question, it is a joyous but stressful time.
In talking with Katie in November, I offered her an idea. Bring Tess to work with her for the first six months. Eric Hardmeyer at the Bank of North Dakota told me this has worked for them. So, starting Monday, Tess became the newest face around the Chamber office.
From a manager’s perspective, this appears to have some great upside. It allows Katie to relieve a bit of the day to day stress of having a new baby and 13-years old twins. Instead of jumping right into a new routine, it allows the family to “ease” into a new normal. I think it will also benefit the Chamber. Instead of worrying about what’s happening with that new bundle of joy, she is sleeping beside the desk. I believe it will greatly enhance Katie’s ability to focus on work.
Are there times when it could be a distraction? Sure. But probably no more than we encounter on a daily basis around the office. As I considered this idea before I asked Katie about it, it really occured to me that it is a new day in the work world. Today’s parents really do focus on the work-life balance. If we can accomodate that focus and work with it instead of against it, there is a win-win scenario.
Finally, I suppose I am getting old. With a 13 year old son and 19 year old who is now a Marine, I have a better understanding… now… of how important those first months of life are, what it means to the new parent and how fast it goes. We should all pause a bit to revel in the newness of life. As we conduct our little “experiment” we’ll keep you up to date…and probably post a few photos along the way.
