Five years ago, a conversation among Team PTC members underscored the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging at work. Balancing a career with growing families is a delicate dance that demands rhythm and a supportive community. Recognizing this need, Heather Desilets, Principal People Operations & Enablement Manager, KK Liu, Senior Manager of Central Project Management Office, and Matt Delaney, Senior Director of Central Program and Process Office, launched PTC’s Family Employee Resource Group (ERG).
About the Family ERG
The primary objective is to unite employees worldwide who share the unique experiences and challenges of balancing caregiving with their careers. It builds meaningful connections, shares experiences, and provides resources to help employees succeed at home and at work.
“I’ve taken on various roles within the ERG: Co-Founder, Core Team Member, Committee Member, and Co-Lead,” shares Heather. “Each experience has strengthened my leadership capabilities, fostered harmony, and enhanced my connections with colleagues both within and outside my direct team, creating a balance between home and career. The most fulfilling moments at PTC typically unfold when I witness others experiencing the same impact.”
In addition to the programmatic advancements, members gain valuable skills through networking, mentorship, and leadership. Each ERG at PTC is built around four pillars: Commerce, Career, Culture, and Community. These committees are led by passionate members who shape conversations, activities, and partnerships—skills that will seamlessly translate into their formal positions and respective responsibilities.
“We are not alone. We are human. We are committed to our families but also our careers. The Family ERG has demonstrated that we do not have to choose between them,” adds KK. “I love the concept of ‘work-life harmony,’ because it is never a 50/50 split. Some days I work longer hours, other days I need to tend to my family. My manager understands and that alone alleviates stress.”
Key Achievements
With 350 members, the initiatives championed by the ERG continue to leave a lasting impression across the entire organization by resonating with our core value of "PTC for All" to foster a powerful sense of synergy that drives our collective success. Since its launch, Family ERG members have driven impactful initiatives, such as:
- Collaborating with the Benefits team to include pregnancy loss in the compassionate leave policy
- Advocating for Flex@PTC, a policy that helps employees balance work and personal priorities
- Providing re-onboarding resources for folks returning from leaves of absence
- Hosting external speakers such as Daisy Dowling, author of “Work Parent,” and Goldie Chan, Global Speaker, Strategist and Writer on creating a personal brand
- Launching a coaching series in China on balancing work and home
- The Show & Tell video series where employees share their stories to promote harmony, community, and connection
“Creating the 'Re-Onboarding Brochure' is one of my proudest accomplishments. This brochure serves as an informative resource to welcome employees back to work after an extended leave. We understand that this transition period can be challenging, so our goal is to help everyone feel prepared and supported," said Alexandra Sasaran, Principal Events Program Manager.
Signature Programs
Micro-Communities: Focused networks designed to support employees who share unique interests and needs.
"Introducing these niche forums to help coworkers connect, share experiences, and learn from one another has been one of our key achievements. The ‘Pregnancy, Babies, and Toddlers’ community has been especially valuable when I began my journey as a dad to two young children," says Matt.
Verena Pohl, Principal Program Manager of Products, Planning & SaaS Transformation, adds, “the 'Single-Child' Micro-Community has been a transformative space for me, bringing together parents who share this unique family dynamic. We understand the profound importance of fostering connections beyond our immediate circles. Within this intentional and supportive space, we’ve found a vital tool for meaningful dialogue and connection—a lifeline for many of us navigating this journey.”
“Caring for Families” series
“These quarterly sessions have provided an open forum for our PTC community with topics ranging from traveling with kids and wellness regimes to more challenging life-changing experiences such as grief and loss, caring for a sick and elderly family member, and transitioning back to work from parental leave,” adds KK. “These sessions provide valuable tips, foster empathy, and offer support, connection, and inspiration through shared experience.”
What’s Next?
"Impact" comes to mind as we reflect on our achievements and the work that lies ahead. The Family ERG continues to launch new Micro-Communities and share caregiving stories through the "Show and Tell" series. When asked about the future, the response reflects a shared optimism as members actively engage in thematic learning sessions like Share Your Caregiving Journey, quarterly meetups for pet parents, volunteer opportunities, and off-site events.
“We are dedicated to meeting our colleagues where they are,” says William Bruneau, Principal Process Analyst. “Year five will be spent similarly to one, two, three, and four–sharing our stories, providing resources, and empowering the organization.”
Learn about other ERGs at PTC
Our ERGs serve as talent incubators by offering leadership, mentorship, & networking opportunities.
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