Helping Parents Thrive with Work-Life Balance and Resources

In the ever-evolving world of technology, work-life balance can feel like an elusive dream, especially for parents trying to navigate both the demands of a dynamic career and the needs of growing families. At Magnolia, flexibility and a supportive culture are empowering parents to thrive both at home and in the workplace.

Parenting is integrated into our ethos of flexibility, respect, and understanding. The policies and practices we have in place demonstrate that it is possible to nurture both a family and a career.

The Power of Flexibility in Balancing Career and Parenthood

One of the most significant advantages that Magnolia offers is flexibility. Katalina Babeva, our Head of Product Development shares, that transitioning into a new role while becoming a parent felt daunting at first, especially when her daughter was just six months old. However, the support from her family and Magnolia’s inclusive culture allowed her to thrive in both worlds. “I sometimes need to take a few hours off and compensate later,” she says. “People are always kind and understanding; they often check in to see how I’m doing or if I need more time.”

This flexibility is a game-changer for parents trying to juggle multiple responsibilities. Our colleagues are empowered to set their own schedules, take time off when needed for childcare, and even adjust their hours to ensure they can attend to their family’s needs without sacrificing their professional duties. Whether it’s taking a few hours off to care for a sick child or adjusting work hours to accommodate school pickups, the ability to manage time efficiently without the pressure of rigid schedules is an essential tool for working parents.

Being a parent—whether single or with a partner—requires balancing multiple demands on time and energy. “I’ve become much better at juggling the needs of my child, work, and even my personal time. I make time for yoga each day to ensure I can show up at my best, both as a parent and as a professional,” says Martina Weiss, HR Business Partner.

Remote Work: A Lifeline for Parents

For parents, especially those with young children, the option to work remotely is invaluable. It eliminates the time and stress of commuting and allows for a more seamless integration of work and family life. Christian Hartel, the Head of HR at Magnolia, highlights that the company has embraced a remote-friendly approach for years while also offering office spaces for teams that require or prefer them. This has allowed parents to manage their professional responsibilities while staying present for their families.

Aleksandr, Lead Architect at Magnolia, working remotely from Finland, shares how remote work has enabled him to care for his baby while continuing to contribute to his team’s success. “I don’t see any disadvantages to remote work, only advantages,” he says. “I can manage my time more efficiently, and I’m right there to help with the baby whenever needed.”

For remote-working parents, the freedom to work from anywhere provides a significant advantage, particularly when managing childcare. The benefits are not only limited to the practical aspects of caregiving but also to the mental and emotional satisfaction of being present during those early years.

Leadership and Understanding: A Culture of Support

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping a supportive environment for parents. Martina Weiss shares her experience of having a manager who understood the challenges of balancing parenthood and a demanding job. "My boss has always supported me in putting my son first without withdrawing my responsibility at work," she explains. “When joining Magnolia, I experienced from the very beginning how it is to derive energy from work. From the get-go, I was given a lot of autonomy with a clear mandate. So, I could be creative again, come up with and implement my own ideas, and get inspiration from the smart people working here, coming from places all over the world.”

The company culture at Magnolia fosters an environment where understanding and empathy are woven into the fabric of daily operations. Whether it’s a leadership team that encourages open communication or colleagues who actively support each other through shared experiences, our work culture embraces the concept of family-first while still pushing for excellence and innovation in the workplace.

Parental Benefits: Going Above and Beyond

When it comes to parental benefits, we offer more than just the basics. From paid time off for family care to health protection and income protection during parental leave, we ensure that parents are supported at every stage of their journey. We understand that the transition to parenthood should not come with financial stress, and we make it a priority to provide peace of mind to new parents.

Offering job security, comprehensive healthcare, and a clear commitment to employees' well-being, we aim to help parents manage the challenges of parenthood but also enable them to continue progressing in their careers without the fear of setbacks.

In the tech industry, where work-life balance is often touted but rarely achieved, we feel Magnolia stands as an example of how companies can empower their employees to balance both professional and parental responsibilities. The result? A thriving, innovative workforce where parents feel supported, respected, and equipped to excel.