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Hugs as a Job Benefit

Some companies celebrate “Take Your Child to Work Day” once each year. Others, including a growing number of corporations in Greater Omaha, are making that option available every workday.

On-site or nearby child care is becoming quite an attraction for young professionals who want the best of both worlds – a successful career, and the ability to start a family and remain close to their children.

Of the “100 Best Companies” selected in 2006 by Working Mother magazine, two are headquartered here – Union Pacific Railroad and First National Bank of Omaha.

The selection was based on an extensive application completed by each company. The application includes detailed questions about the workforce, compensation, child care and flexibility programs, leave policies and more.

The magazine lauded First National Bank of Omaha for its on-site child care center, its expanded, on-site fitness center and the private lactation suites available to nursing mothers.

“Working moms here bank on a work/life culture that understands their needs,” the magazine’s Web site states. “Last year, about half of employees used flextime, and about a quarter took advantage of a compressed work schedule. The company also offers telecommuting and job-share options. Employees need to work just 20 hours a week to keep their health insurance.”

At Union Pacific, Working Mother likes the award-winning health programs, health-conscious cafeteria meals and ready-made dinners available to take home.

The magazine applauds the “$5 million, 20,000-square-foot care center with space for 200 children . . . just two blocks from headquarters. In addition, a popular program called Rest Easy provides trained in-home backup as well as sickness care for kids or elders, with Union Pacific picking up half of the tab.”

Other local companies, including Alegent Health, ConAgra Foods, The Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and The Gallup Organization, whose Gallup University riverfront campus features the Donald O. Clifton Child Development Center, are making nearby or on-site child care all part of the job.

And that’s definitely a perk for working moms and dads.

First National Bank of Omaha
www.firstnational.com
The Gallup Organization
www.gallup.com
Union Pacific Railroad
www.up.com
Working Mother magazine
www.workingmother.com

Leaders of Tomorrow

Brian A. Young, 34
Vice President of Information Technology
Creighton University

Being a vice president at a major metropolitan university would be quite an accomplishment at any age. For 34-year-old Brian A. Young, vice president of Information Technology at Creighton University, how old a person is doesn’t matter.

“Results matter,” he says, “not age.”

The native of Cincinnati, Ohio, says he’s been told he is too young to be a vice president. “I have always worked in higher education. I have been blessed to know since I began my career, that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I get up every morning and truly know I am doing what I love.”

He combines that love with a deep appreciation for “the urban renaissance of this great city, and the dynamic growth of Creighton University as a part of that urban energy.

“This is a tremendous time in Omaha’s history. Hands down, this innovative city has found a niche as an exciting urban center with all the activities of a large metropolis, but without the major hassles that come with a huge population.”

Young says accessibility to Omaha’s leadership helps set the city apart. “From the president of Creighton to the mayor and the CEOs of major Fortune 500 companies, the civic and business leaders are accessible. Young professionals are being heard in Omaha and being recognized as the leaders of tomorrow.”

That accessibility is helping the area become a magnet for young professionals. “The city is fixed on being innovative and providing diverse and enriching experiences. Omaha is setting the trend for producing bricks and mortar, people and events that are in the national spotlight.”

People from outside the city are mistaken if they envision Greater Omaha as a “sleepy little city along the Missouri,” Young says.

“Whether downtown or in west Omaha, the city has a plethora of venues for gathering, socializing and meeting new people. The workforce is expanding and the city is home to great educational environments including Creighton, which provides a net brain gain to the Omaha workforce. This community supports the arts, culture, music and sporting events.

“Throw in affordable housing, outstanding health care and rewarding family life in a safe and friendly location and the message is simple: ‘Omaha. This is the place to be!’”

An ageless message, from someone named Young.