How One Email Inspired a Culture of Family First

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with mentors and influencers who have shaped my professional journey. While I can’t pinpoint a single favorite, my wife has a clear choice: Bob Braham, who was the CMO at SGI during my time there. Although I won’t name a favorite, Bob’s profound and lasting impact on my work-life balance stands out because of one unforgettable email he sent me, with my wife copied. It read, in essence:

Brian, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that for many weekends in a row, you’ve been working on substantial projects during time that should be spent with family and on self-care. Your work-life balance is clearly off, and it’s time to address this. To that end, you have 30 days to schedule a vacation, with SGI covering up to $2,500. I’ve copied your lovely wife to ensure this gets done.

This email was a wake-up call. It underscored how much I had been neglecting the balance between work and personal life. The lesson not only enriched my family relationships and personal well-being but also shaped how I approach leadership.

Illuminex AI’s Commitment to People

At Illuminex AI, our mission is to build a “Model Company” that is loved by our employees, the people they care about, our customers, our shareholders, our business partners, and the communities in which we live and work. Including “the people they care about” is intentional. We recognize that when our team members feel supported in all areas of life, they are more engaged, fulfilled, and productive.

Implementing Purpose Leave at Illuminex AI

In many workplaces, parental leave is the only life event that receives substantial time off. While parental leave is essential, other significant moments such as marriages, honeymoons, family trips, caregiving, or mental health breaks often go unsupported. To address this gap and stay true to our mission, we’ve introduced Purpose Leave at Illuminex AI.

What is Purpose Leave?

Purpose Leave provides time off for meaningful personal events such as parental leave, marriage, or extended travel. It encourages employees to prioritize life beyond work.

Key Features of Purpose Leave:

• Additional Leave: Purpose Leave supplements regular vacation time. Every two years, employees are encouraged to take an additional month (30 consecutive calendar days) at 75% pay.

• Request Window: Employees can submit extended personal leave requests in Q4 for the following calendar year.

  
  

Why Purpose Leave Matters

Purpose Leave not only supports our employees but also strengthens Illuminex AI’s resilience. By planning for key employees’ absences, we build systems to manage unforeseen departures, such as resignations or retirements, ensuring operational stability for both planned and unplanned events.

Bob’s email was more than a mandated vacation; it was a lesson in prioritizing personal well-being and making time for what truly matters. By implementing Purpose Leave at Illuminex AI, we strive to create a culture that values life beyond work, allowing employees to pursue personal goals and responsibilities without sacrificing professional growth.

If you’re an employer, consider how you can support your employees’ work-life balance. Policies like Purpose Leave can foster a happier, more productive workforce and a resilient organization.