Gratitude - Precious Gift of Hybrid Work - Celebrating Moms

A quote went viral last year that went something like; we expect women to work as if they don't have children and raise children as if they don't work. This is a woman's perceived choice: career or family. Moms have always been in the workplace, but having a career is different. 

Today, I’m so glad that most of us don’t have to make that choice anymore. And thankfully, in the last decade, we have made progress in overcoming bias against mothers in the workplace – in some part, led by enlightened organizations and leaders. These companies know that a woman’s ability to do a good job, innovate, and even lead has nothing to do with having a family. As a result, companies have adjusted the workplace to accommodate the realities of motherhood – mother’s rooms, extended maternity leave... and paternity leave.  

In our society where we strive for diversity and inclusion, it’s about time.  

I recently joined Lorrissa Horton and Lina Forrestal to talk about working moms and leaders in honor of Mother's Day. We talked about all kinds of challenges and opportunities. But one thing we both agree on is that hybrid work makes life more manageable for women with families.  

Of course, hybrid work makes life better for everyone who expects a life outside of work. We are accustomed now to meeting with our teams on a computer screen. The quick question in the hallway has been replaced by some form of instant message. We’ve come to accept pets and toddlers wandering into the Webex meeting frame!  

But today, on Mother’s Day, I am even more grateful for a hybrid work world. My mother is aging, and each day with her is a precious gift. The flexibility to work remotely allows me to spend more time with her – I can do my job and be close to my mother to help her and be with her. I’m so thankful to our technology for this gift.  

I hope you all find time to spend with your moms on Mothers’ Day. Someone was very wise and compassionate when they set aside this day to honor our mothers. Many of our moms made tough choices for us. As their fortunate children with the gift of more flexibility, I hope we can make life easier for them.  

Happy Mothers’ Day!  

https://youtu.be/0HqJ8IKG8oc