How This Chief of Staff Achieves Work-Life Balance as a Busy Mom

As Chief of Staff for Ensono’s largest line of business, Mainframe, Mandy Long is consistently inspired and invigorated by the range of exciting projects that cross her desk. In partnership with senior leaders, she helps drive strategic initiatives and key operational priorities for Ensono’s global services. Long’s role also provides another benefit: flexible work policies, which allow her to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

“Even on busy workdays, working remotely allows me to take small breaks throughout the day — taking my dogs on a quick walk or doing light stretching between meetings,” Long shares. 

Here, we catch up with Long to learn more about Ensono’s hybrid work policies, her tips for thriving in a flexible work environment, and how she’s supported as a working mom. 

Tell us a bit about your job. How long have you been in this role, and what’s your day-to-day like? 

I transitioned to this role in November 2023. Before joining the Mainframe team, I managed a team of Ensono’s HR Business Partners, supporting global operations. My day-to-day involves coordinating with various teams, managing projects, and ensuring that our mainframe services align with our clients' needs and the company’s goals.

How does Ensono help support work-life balance? 

Ensono supports work-life balance in many ways, including remote and hybrid work environments, wellness programs, a generous paid time off policy, and a culture that encourages recharging your battery by doing things you enjoy outside of work. We also offer a sabbatical program to ensure our team members can maintain a healthy balance between work and their personal lives. Additionally, several employee resource groups provide support, foster community, and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How do you focus on your personal life outside work? And how does Ensono support you in doing this?

I try to set boundaries between work and personal time. It’s not always easy to disconnect, but Ensono helps by fostering a culture where taking time off is respected and encouraged. As a busy mom, I try to remember that taking care of myself and my family is my most important job. If I’m not at my best, I won’t be able to do my best work. I appreciate that Ensono understands and supports these priorities. 

Can you tell us a little bit about  Ensono’s flexible work policies? How do these policies positively impact employees?

Ensono offers a hybrid work model that allows employees to work from home or the office, depending on their preferences, location, and job requirements. This flexibility has increased job satisfaction and productivity, as employees can choose the environment that best suits their work style.

Overall, what are your top tips for excelling in a remote or hybrid work environment?

My top tips are:

• Communicate regularly with your team to stay connected. Quick check-ins are a great way to stay connected.

• Create a dedicated workspace. This helps minimize distractions and provides a designated area that you can step away from at the end of the workday, helping to enable better work-life balance.

• Plan your day in advance and use your calendar or other apps to stay organized and manage your time effectively.

• Take short breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The most memorable career advice I have received is, “If you’re comfortable, you aren’t growing.” Change can be scary; we can’t let fear keep us from taking a leap, pivoting, and trying new roles. Saying yes to opportunities that may seem too different or challenging can propel your career in amazing ways. 

Transitioning from a successful career in hospitality to a technology company and now into the Mainframe sector was challenging (and, at times, overwhelming) but ultimately incredibly rewarding. I not only continue to learn new things, but I’m also contributing in unique and bigger ways, demonstrating the value of adaptability and continuous growth. This is also the first company where I have worked remotely. Initially, it was a significant change, but I’ve grown to enjoy the flexibility and found it offers many personal and professional benefits. 

 Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of work?

The future of work will likely continue to embrace flexibility, with hybrid and remote work becoming the norm. Technology will play a crucial role in enabling seamless collaboration and maintaining productivity across different work environments.

Is there anything else we didn’t ask about that you’d like to mention?

I would like to highlight the importance of a supportive company culture in fostering employee wellbeing and productivity. At Ensono, we strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment where everyone can thrive.

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