Boss goes viral with inspiring message on work-life balance

If there’s one thing parents need in their boss, it’s a complete understanding that their lives are full of unexpected events.

From parent-teacher meetings during the day to doctor’s appointments and school holidays, there’s a lot to take into account.

So when Ian Sohn, single dad-of-two and President of Wunderman Chicago, took to LinkedIn to write a note to all parents about balancing work-life balance, he understandably became an internet sensation and was applauded by busy working mums and dads everywhere.

“I never need to know you’ll be back online after dinner.,” Ian wrote on LinkedIn.

“I never need to know why you chose to watch season 1 of “Arrested Development” (for the 4th time) on your flight to LA instead of answering emails.

“I never need to know you’ll be in late because of a dentist appointment. Or that you’re leaving early for your kid’s soccer game.”

He went onto list out a stream of things he ‘never needs to know’ because he believes parents should never have to apologise for ‘having lives’ outside the office.

“I never need to know that you’re working from home today because you simply need the silence,” he continued.

“I deeply resent how we’ve infantilized the workplace. How we feel we have to apologize for having lives.

“That we don’t trust adults to make the right decisions. How constant connectivity/availability (or even the perception of it) has become a valued skill.

I'm equally grateful for the trust/respect my peers, bosses and teams show me every day.”

Ian went on to say that he understands it’s easy for him to say all of this because of the stage of his career he’s in, and believes he’s very privileged.

However his point is more about people not feeling like they should have to apologise for trying to be there for their colleagues and balancing their personal lives.

The post already has over 16,000 likes and 600 comments from people thanking Ian for ‘being a true leader’ and standing up for working parents.

“Props to you for saying it out loud. It gets easier and more important the higher you are on the ladder. We need to make it the norm,” one person said.

“Amen! Life work balance is not realistic but can be managed and expectations set,” another person said.

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