Ellen Galinsky–recounting the 20 year history of Families and Work Institute, she co-founded with Dana Friedman. Now, Ted Childs the former Head of Diversity at IBM who helped create and support FWI from the beginning. Urge us to ask the question–how does what we did stack up to what is possible? Dreams are important. Remembers advocating for IBM to be the founding member of FWI and initial funder of the National Study of Changing Workforce–right decision then, and right decision now.
Why have we not been more impatient for bold progress? If that progress was our goal…life/work integration should be able to make more progress. Lou Gerstner at the time said, “let’s focus on results…not face time” people said that’s brilliant. It was brilliant but it was a strategic mind who saw a need.
Now, Ted Childs sees two of six trends–1) ascendancy of women in labor force will be competitive advantage 2) work/life integration will define nations. Shifting demographics will drive a response in public policy and business. Companies still have control…but that is changing as governments recognize it in the country’s best interest to implement policies to address work/life issues. Base line supports–child care, eldercare and flexibility–are now the baseline.
Leaders will have to look at game-changers that will make flexibility the way of operating/ change cultures. Tool of effectiveness for workplaces that are able to compete. Success will happen because of women. Success will happen when reorient the workplace to make people successful; the people, not the leaders.
Ted is honoring Dana Friedman and Ellen Galinsky as co-founders of FWI (I am so proud at this moment to say I was a Senior Research Associate at FWI). Now honoring the original founding board of directors of FWI. Nine of original board members still serve today 20 years later.
Amazing to hear board member Dee Topel to talk about how new the industry of work and life was 20 years ago and how innovative FWI was at the time. “Our baby reaches maturity.” Looking back on FWI accomplishments, the creative meaningful work of the field is even more important than ever.
Honorees tonight: Michael Carey, former VP of HR for Johnson & Johnson and original FWI Board member. Douglas R. Conant, CEO and President. Campbell Soup; James S. Turley, Chairman & CEO of Ernst & Young; Michael I. Roth, CEO and Chairman of Interpublic Group; and Willie A. Deese, EVP and President, Merck Manufacturing Division.
J&J employee shares her experience of work/life supports that helped her manage her work and life as part of her introduction of Michael Carey prior to his award. Recounts how flexibility at J&J allowed her to work while her premature son was in the hospital in NYC. Then when her son came home, and then J&J took an unpaid leave to care for son. Then he was enrolled in the J&J child care center. Then three years later son diagnosed with a latex and food allergy, but the staff at the center he was able to stay at center. All these years later, the College Coach supports at J&J have helped her now grown son attend college in the Fall.
(Dinner so taking a break…) Update: I had to leave before the final CEO panel started; however, I am told their message was clear: Work+life strategies will be mission-critical in the coming years.
Congratulations to our dreamers! We have come a long was in 20 years. And yet, we must continue our goal of creating an inclusive, flexible and diverse work environment and strive to always reach for our dreams at work, home and in our community. Workplaces must continue to commitment to looking at how work can be done differently, but with the same great results. Diversity & Flexibility are major keys in this process. We will need both to create true cultural change!
Lynn Ingenhuett Quinn
“A Pioneer in helping Workplaces become more Flexible, Diverse and Inclusive”
Worklife Balance.org