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The best of both worlds

Helping employees balance careers and personal lives pays off

When asked how she balances her career and personal life, Maria Candler, CLP, laughs. “Are you serious?” she asks. “I could use a few tips on that subject myself.” Not only is Candler president of Virginia-based James River Grounds Management, but she is also actively involved as a PLANET volunteer and the mother of two young children.

How does she do it? As a mother, she strives to eliminate distractions at home. As an employer, she understands how important flexibility is to employees.

Family time

Dual-income couples have to make the most of family time, Candler emphasizes. “When my husband and I get home from work, we want to spend time together with our children,” she says. “We’re fortunate to have a cleaning and yard service to do some of the ‘heavy lifting’ for us. But even if these services weren’t so readily available, we would strive to find a way to minimize distractions.”

Within the last year or two, Candler has been forced to ease up on some of her volunteer work and other extracurricular activities. Because only so much quality time is available at home, she and her husband also spend more time planning out their days and weekends. Says Candler, “Part of the planning process includes taking shifts preparing meals, although we have a ways to go to perfect the system.”

Results, not hours

As an employer, Candler says that James River Grounds Management understands how important flexibility is to families and strives to come up with perks that help employees balance their lives.

First and foremost, the company is results-driven and not hours-driven, she explains. “We understand that children and babysitters get sick, and that some things just cannot always be taken care of after work. We allow for longer lunch hours when necessary and other time off during the day to take care of personal business, as long as the work gets done. Yes, that means that some of our employees may spend time on Saturday or work longer hours after normal quitting time to finish up a job. But if that works better for them, and the customer doesn’t mind, why not?”

James River Grounds Management also operates a small daycare center next door, to help with the care of younger children, and encourages employees to take advantage of a company gym and personal trainer.

“Everyday at 3:00 p.m., a group of us work out in the gym,” says Candler. “The hour we spend there energizes us. Additionally, for many of our employees, including me, this is the only time we would have to work out. Once I get home, the evening goes very quickly from dinner to the children’s bedtime.”

As she explains, having a health facility at work means employees don’t have to choose between spending time with their families and staying healthy. They can have it both ways.

Positive impact

Family-friendly companies offer employers just as many benefits as they do employees. “Our employees appreciate working here, and they reward us with both loyalty and hard work,” Candler adds. “Furthermore, I think any company that understands and projects how important family life is creates a positive atmosphere. People who are less stressed out by concerns at home are naturally more productive and eager to get to work in the morning.”

Not every company can provide a gym or daycare center, but every company, large or small, can offer employees understanding and a bit of flexibility. There was a time when the word “balance” wasn’t in Candler’s vocabulary. But being a mom and company president has forced her to step back and look at her career from a different perspective. No one wants to choose between having a successful career and a healthy, vibrant personal life. With the right attitude at home and an understanding company, employees can balance the best of both worlds.