Supporting Parents and Carers

At ICON, we prioritize not only the professional growth and success of our team members but also their personal well-being and work-life balance. One of the ways we embody this commitment is through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including the SPACE group (Supporting Parents and Carers Everywhere). 

SPACE provides a platform of support and encouragement for our employees who are navigating the complex journey of balancing work responsibilities with being a parent or caregiver to an elderly or disabled loved one. 

In this blog, we delve into the resources and supportive atmosphere that SPACE provides, illustrating the close knit culture and environment at ICON.

SPACE, which stands for Supporting Parents and Carers Everywhere, is an employee resource group at ICON. 

It was created with a clear mission in mind: to provide a nurturing environment where our team members who are parents or caregivers can come together to share experiences, gain insights, and offer support to one another. The group meets weekly, rotating every other week between discussions focused on parental topics and caregiver topics. The goal is to foster a sense of community and alleviate the challenges of juggling familial responsibilities while excelling in their professional roles.

The parent group within SPACE discusses a wide range of topics to address the unique challenges that parents face. These discussions include practical advice on controlling screen time for different age groups, managing toddlers' preferences for clothing, and creating memorable yet budget-friendly birthday celebrations for children. 

Additionally, the group explores diverse parenting styles and offers recommendations on where to shop for children's necessities while scoring great deals through platforms like Facebook Marketplace. It's not just about practical advice; the parent group also provides emotional and morale support, reassuring team members that they are not alone in their parenting journey.

Caregiving is a significant responsibility that can sometimes be overwhelming and emotionally draining. The caregiver group within SPACE provides a safe space for employees who are caregivers to elderly or disabled loved ones. Here, they discuss strategies for self-care to ensure they are mentally and physically equipped to provide the best care possible. 

The group also normalizes the emotional burnout and stress that often accompanies caregiving responsibilities, fostering an environment where individuals can openly share their challenges and seek understanding and guidance.