Helping Employees Achieve a Balance Between Work and Family
Booz Allen Hamilton prides itself on being an employer of choice that offers employees both interesting careers and family-friendly workplace policies and benefits.
In October, Northern Virginia Family Service awarded us a 2001 Torchbearer Citation — an honor bestowed on companies committed to helping their employees establish harmony between work and family.
Northern Virginia Family Service first recognized Booz Allen's family-friendly workplace policies and benefits in 1998 with a Companies As Responsive Employers — or CARE Award. The Torchbearer Citation was established in 2000 to formally recognize former CARE Award recipients that have continued to enhance and expand their programs and keep the work-life flame burning.
L-R: Melissa Sexton (Booz Allen), George Lane (Chair of the CARE Advisory Committee), and Joe Garner (Booz Allen)
Flexible Work Arrangements
Since receiving the CARE Award in 1998, Booz Allen has invested millions in laptops for its employees and increased the capacity of its network to make it easier for staff to telecommute. A recent employee survey revealed that over 80 percent of staff enjoyed some type of flexibility in scheduling their workday.
Managing Work and Family Stress
As part of the firm's Celebrate Family program, nine Booz Allen dads participated in a June 2001 "Father's Day" panel discussion held at the McLean, Virginia, campus that focused on the concerns of working fathers. The Celebrate Family program has also addressed issues such as living with teenagers, discipline, and senior care.
"We don't expect staff to have a job or a life, but recognize the importance of both," said Jean Callahan, Booz Allen's Director of Recruiting. "It is imperative from a business standpoint to attract and retain the best people and provide the kind of support and resources they need to be successful in work as well as their private lives."
About Northern Virginia Family Service
Northern Virginia Family Service is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to improve their quality of life and to promoting community cooperation and support in responding to family needs.
