National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor the dedication of caregivers who tirelessly support their loved ones. At UKG, we are proud that one of our nine employee resource groups (ERGs) is NEST, a community that values and supports caregivers. In this blog, Ken and Meg share their personal caregiving experiences and the invaluable support they receive from NEST.
Ken T., Senior Manager, Service Request Delivery
The theme for National Family Caregivers Month is “Around the Clock." How does that resonate with you?
“Around the Clock” is very appropriate for our family. As a caregiver that is in between generations needing assistance, the schedules of my children and mother-in-law drive the need to be ready and available at all hours of the day or night.
My children frequently have early morning activities and as they get older, they end up having late-night needs as well. Whether that is attending an event they are a part of, or just staying up later to talk to them when they arrive home, it is crucial that we as parents and guardians are there for our kids.
Additionally, we have the responsibility to take care of my elderly mother-in-law, who is in her mid-80s and is wheelchair-bound, legally blind, diabetic, and on dialysis three times a week. She lives about 200 yards from us, so we are often there when she has a concern, cannot find her telephone, or more seriously, has a fall. We tend to sleep lightly and the ringer on our phone is always turned up!
As a caregiver and full-time employee, where do you find support?
Most importantly, my wife and I find support from each other. We have been married for 31 years, so we have had plenty of time to grow our family while having my mother-in-law involved in our lives as well. Beyond each other, other family members and kind and generous neighbors also have played a huge part in supporting us, constantly asking how she is doing, or keeping an eye on things when my wife and her sister are both out of town. It is far easier to find support as a parent of younger children since they usually have a friend circle and that leads to having things in common with those other adults. Taking care of an elderly and somewhat frail adult is an entirely different challenge, and not one that you immediately notice when you see someone.
How does NEST help you find more balance at work and/or at home?
The biggest thing I learned from NEST is that we are not alone. The support network, the stories, the summits, and programs that NEST affords are inspiring. It creates perspective as well, as you see challenges that other peers are brave enough to tackle and to share their stories. That perspective also comes in handy when choosing between work or a more important home need.
Reflecting on your experience as a parent or caregiver, can you share how the responsibilities and skills you’ve developed in caregiving have translated into your work life?
The translation is that it has made me a far better and more empathetic manager. Having experience with both a younger family, then college-age children, then young adults on their own for the first time, coupled with taking care of an aging parent provides opportunities to share compassion. That compassion has certainly been afforded to me, and it is my duty as a leader and a mentor or peer to share that same emotion when someone around me needs it. I have also experienced the loss of my own parents, and many others close to me due to accident or disease. I believe every single moment prepares a person to be there for someone else.
I believe every single moment prepares a person to be there for someone else.
Senior Manager, Service Request Delivery
How does UKG embody an inclusive work environment?
UKG espouses a people-first culture and encourages a work-life balance. Given the seasonality of our work and the critical nature of our solution to our customers, the job is not a cakewalk. However, that makes it more meaningful when my leader or my peers understand a need that I must take care of. At UKG, our hybrid roles, virtual opportunities, and the diversity in employee makeup are all ways in which that inclusivity is shown.
In your opinion, what sets UKG apart from other employers?
UKG is different from other employers because of its ERGs and its commitment to those groups. The ERGs are not lip service; instead, they are part of the lifeblood and culture that make the company great. At UKG, team members are challenged, supported, and rewarded for their efforts.
Meg W., Sr. Benefits Solutions Consultant
How does the National Family Caregivers Month theme of “Around the clock" resonate with you?
Caring for a child with a rare neuroimmune disease is a 24/7 job. So much of caregiving is not just physically or emotionally caring for the person. It is the complete realization of how every decision you make affects or impacts the person you are caring for. From choosing doctors and specialists to careers, schools, meals, and weekend activities. So much thought goes into accessibility, mental well-being, and giving her the tools and resources to thrive and build independence. Being a caregiver means never truly being alone in your thoughts.
As a caregiver and full-time employee, where do you find support?
I am fortunate to have a huge support network of family, friends, coworkers, and leaders. ERGs like NEST and specific organizations like The Siegle Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA) and The MOG Project have taught me that I can do anything. NEST has been a great resource to know there are people in my company who know exactly what I am going through. SRNA and The MOG Project have given me the tools, resources, information, and research to be able to advocate for my child.
How does NEST help you find more balance at work and/or at home?
Being a part of NEST has taught me there is strength in vulnerability and shared experience. It has given me a community of amazing individuals who can relate to my struggles and give advice on balancing it all. Earlier this year my daughter had an Optic Neuritis attack, and she lost her ability to see for a few weeks. We spent seven days in the hospital doing different treatments to restore her vision. NEST members stepped up and offered well wishes, and tips to make the hospital stay more bearable. They gave me a ton of fun ideas for activities for my daughter and me to do to help pass the time.
Reflecting on your experience as a parent or caregiver, can you share how the responsibilities and skills you’ve developed in caregiving have translated into your work life?
So much of being a caregiver bleeds into our jobs. Multi-tasking, stress management, and empathy are obvious skills that I have strengthened in my role as a caregiver and translated into my career at UKG. Another skill I have developed through caretaking that I use in both my professional and personal life is advocacy. Having to advocate for my child daily with doctors, specialists, nurses, insurance companies, teachers, etc., has given me the ability to not only advocate for my clients, coworkers, and UKG in general but also recognize when a client isn’t being tough or unreasonable but is advocating for their employees and their company. Recognizing that advocacy and passion allow us to work together to develop creative solutions to meet their needs.
How does UKG embody an inclusive work environment?
UKG embodies inclusiveness in so many ways. My favorite one and possibly the most important one is UKG recognizes that no two employees are the same. They see that their employees have responsibilities of all kinds outside of work. UKG recognizes that life is hard, and they truly try and foster an environment of help, understanding, and kindness.
In your opinion, what sets UKG apart from other employers?
UKG has given me the flexibility to be at every doctor's appointment, MRI, spinal tap, infusion treatment, school meeting, and beyond. All while honing in on my skills and strengths to build development plans that allow me to grow and not just work. I truly could not be more appreciative. Being a full-time caregiver is the hardest job on the planet. It is easy to doubt yourself and at times, give up on yourself. UKG has always believed in me, even when I wasn’t able to believe in myself.
- INTERESTED IN JOINING THE U KREW? EXPLORE CAREERS AT UKG.
- LEARN MORE ABOUT UKG’S EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGS).
