Dad of 4's Rallying Cry for Employers to Offer Flexibility Sparks Best Thread on LinkedIn

Show this to your manager ASAP.

This was the thread we needed to see today.

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It’s no question that working moms need support from managers—now more than ever. In an inspiring LinkedIn post, one dad tells a story of why working moms deserve all the support in the world. And the comments are on point.

Nate Randle, a Utah-based dad of four and marketing exec at Qualtrics, a computer software company, told his LinkedIn community about being raised by a single mom who dropped him at Grandma’s while she worked. He shared that a hand-drawn map of their city on a canvas that his mom made for his fifth Christmas is the most memorable gift he’s ever received.

“Single parents, and especially single moms - your tireless efforts to provide matters to your kids.

“Please know that we want your talent on our work teams. Projects and results are stronger with your perspective and direction.

“Don’t feel guilty asking for flexible schedules and work-life balance. The right company and manager will stand up for you and celebrate your meaningful contributions.

“You deserve our support. Keep going!” Nate wrote. He dedicated the post to his mother, who would have been turning 64.

He couldn’t be more right. The coronavirus pandemic has shown just how hard moms work and how badly we need support from our managers. With 65+ hours of chores per week amidst the pandemic plus two days lost weekly to stress and caregiving responsibilities, something’s got to give—and those hours haven't even accounted for the paid work we have to fit in! If we don’t get the help we need, we’ll see more and more women drop out of the workforce to care for their kids due to a lack of childcare and support from employers.

His message clearly resonated, garnering over 2,000 reactions and 200+ comments. Some of the commenters chimed in on what his message means to them, and that's where the post really gets good.

Carolyn Henning, a single mom to a teen boy, shared a recent interview where she was transparent with the hiring manager about her life demands. “I knew I could do the main job I was applying for and do it well. However, I instantly knew their current demands were going to cross that work/life demand line. I didn’t get it but also wasn’t surprised. However, I wish companies knew if they honored an employee’s immediate life priorities that the return from the employee would be tenfold.” So true, Mama!

Kevin Norman, a business and data analytics manager, and his six siblings were also raised by a single mom. “I am getting pretty emotional writing this, as she is approaching 64 herself and just got laid off with no retirement. She's facing a new work opportunity and is scared to ask for a flexible schedule and more than a week PTO a year. I am so passionate about the value she brings to whoever she chooses to work for, but that is sometimes difficult for her to see. I couldn't tell you with these short words just how much I resonate with your message.”

Kevin’s comment reinforces how important it is for hiring managers to be upfront about their flex policies. At a time of compounding global crises, including a potentially fatal virus, employees deserve to be able to put caregiving for themselves and loved ones ahead of workplace responsibilities.

Carrie Pastolove, a business development and strategy exec, also thanked Nate for sharing his story. “This is everything to all the parents out there (especially moms) who have felt for years they need flexibility to manage their life. This has been an uphill battle for me as a working mom and breadwinner. While harder today than ever before, and that breaks my heart for the new young moms, I am happy to hear people bringing the conversation to the table. It needs to be discussed and we as parents need more support from employers. I was lucky to have a few supportive leaders and mentors (along with some tough ones) - my success and the team’s success was more prominent when people had the ability to breathe and live, while they worked.”

Employers, if you’re reading this, it’s time to step it up and show how you can offer working parents (moms especially) your support. Hiring and advocating for working moms will help make the workplace a more equitable and diverse space—and you won’t regret it.