July is Disabilities Pride Month and Seismic’s Disabilities and Neurodiversity Community of Belonging (CoB) has planned programming for our global employees to learn and share alongside this community. Annie Metro, Project Manager and co-leader of the Disabilities and Neurodiversity CoB, shares a personal story of how Seismic has supported her as she manages her chronic migraines and fibromyalgia.
I recently woke up at 2 a.m. with a migraine. I was still awake at 4 a.m., and all I could think about was how lucky I am. That may sound kind of odd, but hear me out. As someone who struggles with fibromyalgia and chronic migraines, these episodes are not unusual for me. I’ve been unable to sleep during times of immense pain. I’ve worked with an ice pack strapped to my head, hoping it would help enough for me to finish my meetings. I’ve covered myself in pain-relief gel, begrudgingly accepting the strong smell of menthol, in order to find some relief (which is a bit more embarrassing in an office environment).
Before I worked at Seismic, I dreaded nights like this. With only four hours of sleep, the stress of not knowing how I would feel that day, or even if I could get through the day, would only make me feel worse. I’d start counting the hours until I had to wake up to get ready for work – a surefire way to ensure you’re never falling back asleep. I’d try to remember how many sick days I had left and if this was bad enough to use one. When you have a fixed number of days off, each day counts. Especially when you don’t know if a flare-up is around the corner.
Seismic is the first company I’ve worked at with a flexible work policy and time off. These two policies empower and free me to take care of myself. I don’t need to choose between my health and my career. I don’t need to drive 45 minutes to get to work or be there by 8 a.m., simply because that’s when everyone else gets there. I have the flexibility to make my own hours, which removes such a heavy burden when managing my condition.
Seismic has unleashed a new drive that I didn’t know I had. I’ve accomplished more in a year than I had in prior roles. The flexible work policy actually results in me taking fewer sick days, because I can schedule my work around my worst moments and symptoms without having to take entire days off. I don’t need to worry about taking time off to go to the doctor or get treatment, or worry about the perception of leaving the office early again. Working at a global company with a flexible work policy means that people work different hours and for various reasons. I don’t need to explain where I am or what I’m doing. I can just focus on showing up, getting stuff done, and doing my job.
Not only do these policies help me, but they make me a more loyal employee. I want to work somewhere I feel valued – somewhere I don’t need to put myself last. It motivates me to do more and go above and beyond. I can be someone who struggles with a chronic condition, while also being a high achiever that our company can depend on.
Ultimately, policies that provide everyone with the opportunity to be their best selves will always allow employees to deliver the highest quality of work that they’re capable of. On top of that, they’ll likely enjoy their work more, be less likely to burn out, and more likely to stay at the company long-term. When you think about the next 5, 15, or 25 years of your life, think about the type of company that you want to give your loyalty and your time. It took me 10 years to realize that my life could be different. It could be better.
So that morning when I was miserable, instead of worrying about how this would impact my work day, I thought about how grateful and lucky I am. I felt safe and comfortable, knowing it wouldn’t ruin my day. I’d find a way to get everything done. I always did. And when I need a bit more flexibility or a break, I’m met with grace and understanding.
If you’re interested in learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Seismic, we encourage you to download our Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report FY2023. We’re also hiring – see the latest job opportunities on our careers page.
