Let’s be honest: My life is always pretty busy. I’m a mom of three young children under the age of 10 and a talent acquisition leader responsible for recruitment delivery.
In the last few months, the unprecedented events we’re all facing have made my daily chaos grueling at times. Working from my basement with toys and books strewn everywhere, I'm doing my best to attend virtual meetings and manage my employees while keeping up with homeschool assignments. That’s all anyone can ask for right now, and it’s never simple.
In my heart, I know that it'll be okay because I work for Booz Allen. Our people-focused culture empowers me to balance my everyday needs through these three pandemic-proof values:
1. People are our top priority.
When the firm moved to remote delivery in response to COVID-19, I wondered how I’d navigate this new normal given my busy home life. Our firm immediately stepped up by organizing virtual activities for employees and their families. My kids learned card tricks through a magic show—they still talk about that today. Virtual yoga classes and art projects gave me a much-needed outlet and a sense of social connection. These activities represent our firm’s position during this crisis: Our people and their families come first.
2. We take work-life balance seriously.
My leadership and teammates have always supported my personal and professional needs, and that sense of support has continued these past few months. When I need to give my kids attention, I’m able to block off my calendar and make up work in my own time. Every member of my team is encouraged to take breaks during the day to refresh and refocus. My colleagues constantly ask, “How are you doing juggling your two roles? Can I take something off your plate?” That message of “how can I help?” instead of “update me on a task” is our people-focused culture in action. We have each other’s backs and jump in for one another on calls and projects, no questions asked.
3. We’re allowed to be ourselves.
The flexibility and compassion I’m offered here is what’s kept me at Booz Allen for more than two decades. I never have to compartmentalize the different areas of my life. My teammates and I know each other’s families as well as we know one another’s working styles. As a working parent, I believe that uniting these two sides of myself allows me to succeed in the roles that matter most.
