Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong Champions Work-Life Balance, Encourages Parents to Set Boundaries
Some CEOs may argue that a work-life balance is a myth, but Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong is a strong believer in the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. As a father of two young children, Sutherland-Wong makes it a priority to limit his work during off-hours, especially when it comes to his family time.
Sutherland-Wong works from home five days a week, using the flexibility to be present for his children’s arrival from school, spend quality time with them, and then return to work later. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and not allowing work to encroach on personal life, citing the negative impact it can have on his children.
Recent research has also highlighted the correlations between parental phone use and child anxiety and emotional detachment. A Pew Research Center report found that 46% of teenagers aged 13-17 believe their parents get distracted by their phones during conversations, leading to feelings of stress and emotional disconnection.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have also discovered that when parents are distracted by their devices, their faces become emotionless, leading children to interpret this as a sign that their parent is unavailable or distressed. This can have long-term effects on the parent-child relationship.
Professor Robin L. Nabi emphasizes the importance of putting away phones during family activities, such as dinner or homework time, to promote quality interaction and feedback between parents and children. By making a conscious effort to set boundaries and prioritize personal time, parents can have a positive impact on their children’s lives.
CEO Sutherland-Wong’s commitment to work-life balance and his encouragement of similar habits serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing both personal and professional responsibilities.