By Kara Tolentino, Director of Talent, Learning, & Organizational Development

 

June 1st marks the Global Day of Parents, to honor parents across the world. At Peapod Digital Labs, it is important for us to recognize and respect all the different life choices of all of our employees, including those that are parents. With the pandemic forcing many children home, and parents being stretched in even more directions than ever, we wanted to take some time to highlight and honor a few of our employees that are parents at PDL.

As a mother of three young daughters myself, I am proud of the work that I do at PDL and the example that I set for my team and my children on the balancing act that is being a working parent. While some days flow better than others and I have a wonderful husband and parenting partner, I am grateful to work for an organization that truly allows for flexibility and encourages employees to take care of themselves and their families. As they say, parenting truly takes a village, and our organization is proud to be a part of that village for parents at PDL! Read on to see what our employees have to say about being PDL parents this past year.

What do you love about being a parent?

I love being able to share the joyful moments when my son has accomplished something that he wanted to do, and to comfort and encourage him when he is faced with challenges. - Bobby Watts, VP eCommerce Merchandising  

So many things. I have enjoyed seeing my now 17 and 15 year old girls grow from tiny helpless babies to full grown young women. I have enjoyed seeing both of them navigate their young lives, each in their own way. I enjoy seeing parts of myself, both physical and in personality, in each of them. I enjoy seeing them become passionate about sports in their lives. I love when they give me big hug… Hugs rock!!! - Kevin Kobets, Product Manager  

I am a mother of 3 boys (15 years, 12 years and 7 months). Being a mother of a teenager and a baby, I get to see everything with a new perspective. I get great satisfaction and joy from nurturing and caring for my kids. I can see how my children are growing into caring, kind and wonderful people. - Jyothi Suhasini Bollipo, QA Engineer 

 

What insights about parenting have you learned in the past year?  

Do the best you can to make this world the best world it can be for yours kid to grow up in. - Chris Sullivan, B2B Sales Manager 

I have learned that we all really like being with each other. Being forced to be together has allowed us to become a closer family. We laugh/joke more, we discuss/debate more, and we appreciate each other more than we did a year ago. This has been one of the ‘good’ things to come out of COVID for our family. - Kevin Kobets, Product Manager 

This past year I have learned a great deal about what it means to be flexible and patient. Things didn’t quite go as we expected, and we all had to make changes in our routines. I also learned that you can be very effective working from home, which is something that I wasn’t so sure about before. - Bobby Watts, VP eCommerce Merchandising  

 

How do you feel like you are supported as a parent and a PDL employee?

PDL cares for parents and is very understanding and accommodating to the needs and lifestyles of all parents. This is shown through the benefits; both Paternity & Maternity time. Besides that, the flexible work schedule and work/life balance environment relieves the stress of maintaining rigid schedules. - Adam Caron, Channel Planning Specialist II 

I feel as a parent and a PDL employee that I am 100% supported by PDL. From front line management to the top of the organization, I feel that the culture at PDL supports me as I need. - Chris Sullivan, B2B Sales Manager  

 

What would you tell other parents who are interested in working for PDL? 

It's a great company to work for that promotes growth and gives us lot of resources to build on. Work/life balance is very good in my company. There are flexible hours and many employee-friendly policies/programs that engage/motivate/strengthen/encourage you. The COVID-19 pandemic during last year was an unexpected storm. The way my company handled the COVID situation was commendable. Even though the productive hours are reduced, my company gave priority to the safety and well-being of all the employees. My company was the biggest moral support for me to take care of the family first and then work next (until initial hiccups are settled) during the whole time. - Jyothi Suhasini Bollipo, QA Engineer 

PDL is very aware, supportive, and cooperative with the parenting lifestyle. The company is always willing to accommodate any parenting situation to provide a better working experience. - Adam Caron, Channel Planning Specialist II 

This is the best parent life/work life company in the market. I am able to succeed and grow at my job, as well as juggle the duties of parent life when necessary. - Chris Sullivan, B2B Sales Manager