Column: Family-first impressions make a 'Best Place to Work'

The day after my son was born, my mother gave a conference presentation. Still reveling in the excitement of welcoming her first grandchild, she simply introduced herself to the room as "(my son)'s grandma."

When she told me the story about her introduction a short time later, I laughed, then pressed her to be sure she offered other credentials. "They know you knew what you were talking about, right?"

"Of course," she said, "my job title was on the Powerpoint."

To date, I haven't opened a Rubber News livestream or moderated an event session by introducing myself as a mother, daughter or sister. But maybe I should. I'm proud to wear those titles just as much as I do that of managing editor.

I'm still learning who I am personally and professionally, and the pandemic has helped me to evaluate what I value most. Adversity does that. It shines a light on the state of the world as it is and leaves us to ponder if this is really the way it needs to be.

There are countless threads to unravel in these moments, but for me, one was gaining greater awareness of work/life balance. Working from home, I put in just as many hours as I would have in the office, but I didn't sacrifice time with family. I can take a 15-minute break to play Candy Land with my son on snow days and not miss a beat. I get to be a mom and a journalist without feeling as though I sacrificed either.

Professionally, I'm adapting. I'm growing into my role and learning more about my industry every day. I'm lucky enough to have a job that adapts with me.

Many aren't so fortunate. When stepping back to evaluate what they needed most from their careers, they determined the status quo wouldn't work. They chose new challenges, better pay, work-from-home or a company where they feel valued and cared for. The result is what economists have dubbed the "Great Resignation."

I am, of course, simplifying an issue that is more complex than a pandemic-induced epiphany. But the labor shortage is real. Industrywide (and beyond) work force challenges have led to serious soul searches: How do we attract talent? And how the hell do we keep it?

I know of at least seven companies that have some answers. When discussing what it takes to be named one of our Best Places to Work, officials at Amtraco, HB Chemical, R.D. Abbott, Reed Rubber, Specification Rubber Products, Zeon and Zochem said the same thing: It's about taking care of people.

Yes, compensation, 401K matches and solid, affordable health care benefits matter greatly. But so do things that are easy to take for granted. Thank yous and well dones go a long way, too.

Zeon, like others listed above, goes the extra mile to let employees know they are appreciated and valued. One thing Zeon does is mark the arrival of new babies with a baby blanket embroidered with the child's name. The gesture struck me for its thoughtfulness and authenticity.

It's a beautiful, simple reminder of what matters most: Family.

And if you're fortunate enough to have an incredible work family, you'll find the work/life balance a little easier to master.

My mom understood that long before I did.

So, let me try this again. I'd like to introduce myself. …