An HR Leader Talks About the Benefits That Make a Real Difference for Working Parents

Aspen Valley Health doesn’t just champion the health of their patients—they prioritize the wellbeing of their employees, too. (Case in point? They’re one of the 160+ companies that offers the SNOO Employee Benefit!) And Karra Cieslinksi, Director of Total Rewards, plays a key role in supporting Aspen Valley Health’s employee community. She’s also a mom of two who has firsthand experience striking that elusive balance between career and parenthood. In honor of Mother’s Day, we caught up with Karra to hear about the benefits that truly make a difference for working parents—herself included!

What has been the biggest challenge balancing work and a new baby?

Making sure I’m doing a good job at both work and being a mom. Making sure I’m spending enough time with my baby, getting enough sleep, and making room for my self-care, too.

What has helped you the most during this transition?

Having a partner that is there to help share the load, creating boundaries and being present at home when I’m done working, and flexible work scheduling.

How has your workplace supported you as a new parent?

My workplace provides a free SNOO rental for 6 months which was amazing! Not only did the SNOO help my baby sleep longer, but SNOO offers so many additional resources and education. Additionally, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and flexible work scheduling to accommodate all those well baby visits and daycare illnesses.

How has sleep impacted your experience as a parent and employee?

The brain fog is cut in half! I am able to focus throughout the workday and then be present in the evening with my family. Some days I even have the energy to squeeze a workout in!

How has access to the SNOO Employee Benefit impacted your experience as a new parent or your return to work?

With my first baby, I did not have the SNOO benefit, and with my second baby I did, and it is a total game changer. I was getting 2 to 3 more hours of sleep a night in the newborn months, and my baby was sleeping through the night by 4 months.I had no hesitation returning to work because I was rested and could function at work without the brain fog and irritability of no sleep.

In one sentence, what does being a working mom mean to you?

Being a working mom means balancing career and family with love, flexibility and resilience—even when it’s messy and exhausting.

Want a free SNOO from your boss? Refer your employer to the SNOO Employee Benefit Program!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.