Katie Charleson, communications officer for Nevada Health Link, is a mother of four who has brought her two younger daughters, shown here, to the office.
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Two young mothers who found a healthy work-life balance are encouraging other families to take advantage of a state policy allowing parents to bring children younger than 1 to work.
Nevada Health Link communications officer Katie Charleson, a mother of four, and operations director Janel Davis, a mother of one, agree their agency offers a child-friendly program.
“When I tell people where I work and the fact that I can bring my baby to work, they’re literally amazed,” Davis said. “We feel very lucky and proud to work for a state agency in the state of Nevada and to have that in our legislation is a really wonderful thing.”
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has adopted a policy allowing parents to bring their infants within all six of its divisions.
Janel Davis, operations officer for Nevada Health Link and a first-time mother, with her daughter.
Charleson and Davis said they try not to weigh career against family life. Charleson, a Douglas County native, has two boys, 14 and 5, and two girls, 2 and 1.
Davis, also a Douglas County graduate, said their office provides flexibility and an environment where mothers don’t feel like their children interfere with daily tasks.
“To have the support and colleagues in your office helping you, it was so, so wonderful,” Davis said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Mothers have access to privacy for breastfeeding or diaper changing, and other coworkers are willing to assist when an employee needs breaks. Changing pads and toys are shared to accommodate children.
An infant’s first year also is a critical time and most parents don’t want to miss special cognitive or physical development, Davis said.
“That first year, a lot happens in babies’ lives,” Davis said. “That bonding time was very important.”
Fathers are invited to bring their children to work, too, and Charleson said at least one has brought in his son.
Charleson and Davis said they would encourage mothers, who are being celebrated Sunday for Mother’s Day, by ensuring they’re surrounded with extra support.
“Build your community, whether it’s friends or coworkers,” Charleson said. “Being a mom or a new mom can feel isolating but really build that community and check in on other moms and just sit with them. Tell them it’s really important and ‘You’re doing great.’”
Davis said one piece of advice she received from Charleson said was a mother can’t love her baby too much.
“Take that baby and spoil them,” she said.
“Having the opportunity to bring my babies to work was truly life-changing for my family and me,” Charleson said. “It made me a more present, fulfilled mom and a more engaged, productive employee.
“It’s one of those policies that supports both personal well-being and professional growth, and I’d love to see more families have access to that kind of support."