This past year and a half during the pandemic has felt like an eternity for many of us. Balancing work responsibilities while also homeschooling children, caring for family, and trying to maintain our mental health has been a monumental challenge. One manager recently shared her insights on LinkedIn, perfectly encapsulating the struggles of working parents during this overwhelming time.
Kathy Johnson, the Vice President of Operations at a well-known company, expressed her perspective on flexible work arrangements in a now-viral post that resonates with many. It’s comforting to see that some leaders truly understand that the focus should be on the quality of work produced, not just the hours logged.
“I DO care that your son is home sick today,” she wrote in her post. “I DO NOT care if you need to step away for an hour to take him to the doctor,” she continued. “I DO care that you’re facing challenges with childcare due to a local shortage,” she added. “I DO NOT care if you need to respond to emails later after picking him up from school.”
Kathy’s message comes at a crucial time, given the significant economic setbacks many women have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oxfam reported that women globally lost over $800 billion in income in 2020, a staggering figure that highlights the disproportionate impact of the crisis on women’s employment.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. “I DO care that you need a break because you’ve been working tirelessly,” Kathy mentioned. “I DO NOT care if you prefer to work from a café for a change of scenery or from a beach for a week.”
Kathy also highlighted the necessity of taking vacation time to prevent burnout, ensuring that employees remain productive and fulfilled both at work and home.
She finished her post with a heartfelt reminder to her team: “I DO care that you produce excellent work and perform at your best. I DO NOT care when, where, or how you accomplish your tasks.”
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In summary, Kathy Johnson’s post resonates with many working parents, highlighting the need for flexibility and understanding from employers. It’s a reminder that the well-being of employees and their families should be a priority in the workplace.