Patagonia's commitment to supporting working parents stands as a powerful example of how companies can truly embrace family-friendly policies. Known for its environmentally-conscious approach, Patagonia continues to show that principles extend to its treatment of employees, especially parents.
In a standout example of this dedication, Holly Morisette, a recruiter at Patagonia, shared a viral story on LinkedIn from her return to work after maternity leave. While nursing her baby during a morning meeting, Morisette's VP, Dean Carter, turned to her and said, “There is no way to measure the ROI on that. But I know it’s huge.”
This comment prompted Morisette to reflect on the profound impact of having on-site childcare and a supportive workplace. She expressed her gratitude, acknowledging that the ability to bring her baby to work meant she didn’t have to face the difficult decision of either leaving her job or her child. She urged other companies to adopt similar policies, recognizing the value in integrating life and work, especially for parents. Morisette emphasized that when parents, particularly mothers, feel supported by their workplaces, they remain more engaged, ultimately benefiting both the employee and the company.
Patagonia’s progressive approach has led to an impressive 100% retention rate of mothers. Keeping parents close to their babies fosters a sense of connection and wellbeing, which translates into increased productivity and satisfaction at work. Morisette pointed out how employees shouldn’t have to hide away to pump milk or feel disconnected from their children during the workday. Instead, she praised the company for creating an environment where parents can thrive both at home and at work.
What stands out is the simple, yet powerful, notion that blending work and life isn’t just a nice idea, but a strategy that drives long-term success. Patagonia has proven that creating a supportive work environment for parents isn’t just about offering perks—it’s about setting a new standard for what family-friendly policies can look like.
It’s time more companies took notes from Patagonia’s playbook, prioritizing flexibility, accessibility, and the needs of working families. The results speak for themselves.