Crew benefits Archives - Vanguard Careers

Culture, Diversity & inclusion, Voyage to Vanguard Specialized Leader

How Vanguard has supported my career as a first‑time Mom

May 11, 2022/in Crew benefits, Culture, Day in the Life /by jortega

Sperry_Talli_17- final 2017 professional photo (2)

How Vanguard has supported my career as a first–time Mom

As I sat down at my desk to write this blog, I landed upon a “puff” baby snack. Rather than feeling frustration at the crumbs, I was surprised to find myself smiling- because I’m learning that balancing work and motherhood can be messy… but beautiful too.

Leading an ultra-high net worth wealth management business and sponsoring the launch of a private investment product, all with an infant on my lap, was not how I pictured my career. Given my degrees in the arts, a career at an investment management company didn’t even seem in the realm of possibility. So, the idea of doing it all while holding my baby would never have occurred to me- outside of a random fantasy about living a functional version of Diane Keaton’s Baby Boom boardroom scenes.

Yet, my arts background has made me comfortable with and invigorated by ambiguity—I find joy in the strategy needed to launch a business solution—as it provides me with the opportunity to create. So, when I got the beautiful surprise of my first child shortly after I’d been given one of my biggest career opportunities leading a heavily investment-focused project, I was excited… and then I panicked about whether I could balance my new normal.

Thankfully conversations with my bosses and mentors helped me realize that I could be a good mom and keep my career going. I’m still amazed that amidst the biggest assignment of my career, I was able to take a fully paid four-month maternity leave and return to pick my work up right where I left off.

Now in my mid-forties, I often find myself cuddling my infant daughter (and at times feeding her puff baby snacks, thus the crunch as I sat down today) during work meetings about Vanguard’s Family Office Wealth Management business, Family Legacy Services, and Private Equity …and I love it. The quirky mix warms my heart. I’m forever grateful to work for an organization that never denied me career opportunities, even as I balanced the joyous shock of my dream-come-true life event of becoming a mother. Vanguard has never wavered on its commitment to help me learn and grow, and to present awesome career opportunities as I lean in.

As a working mom, who cares passionately about her career and utterly adores (and never wants to miss a moment of) her daughter, Vanguard is the place I want to be. A life of baby puffs and big presentations works for me.

— Talli H.

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Support group “breaks down the stigma”

May 9, 2022/in Crew benefits /by nitesh

Support group “breaks down the stigma”

For many, mental and emotional health problems can be a taboo subject, particularly in the workplace where conditions like stress can be common. However, at Vanguard the topic of mental health and wellness is emerging as an issue for open discussion—and healing—thanks to a group in the U.S.

Addressing the need
The COVID-19 pandemic brought many mental and emotional issues to the forefront, caused by anxiety, depression, uncertainty, or life circumstances, including caring for children, parents, other family members or friends, or even the unfortunate loss of a loved one.

“What the pandemic did was further enable people to admit that ‘it’s okay to not be okay,’” said Jamie C., senior manager. “However, mental health issues existed before, and we wanted to talk about them and break down the stigma.”

And this is exactly what Jamie aimed to do when she began the Breaking Down the Stigma mental health and wellness group in the U.S. in February 2021. With the encouragement from Vanguard’s Human Resources division, a support group formed that continues to grow and help those in need of a safe haven to discuss mental, emotional, and behavioral health concerns affecting them and their loved ones.

For Jamie, the initiative was born out of personal experience. “Having a very close relative with mental health problems, I dealt with these issues my entire life,” said Jamie. “I knew others could benefit from mutual support, as I did.”

The stigma begins to break
The Breaking Down the Stigma group meets twice per month virtually and provides a forum where anyone can raise a topic and discuss whatever is on their mind.

“While the group is not the forum to receive diagnosis and treatment, it is an inclusive complement to our existing benefits,” said Torrey W., an HR business partner and advocate for the group.

The impact
The group uses word of mouth to create awareness and encourage participation. For those involved, Breaking Down the Stigma has made a positive difference.

“It’s very important to have a support group like this in my workplace. People need a voice and a platform to talk about what’s on their minds, especially on matters outside of the workplace.”—Josephine U.

“The level of mutual support is incredible. There’s always a non-judgmental shoulder for everyone.”—Russ D.

“One year ago, my life completely changed when I became a full-time caregiver for a loved one. This group helped me through every month. I brought my tears and my smiles. It was my support system.”—Deborah L.

Now marking its first anniversary, the group has doubled its membership, and its compassionate purpose continues. “There’s always someone to turn to,” said Jamie. “There’s always support.”

Our commitment
Vanguard offers several options for crew who would like to speak to a professional.

Lyra offers U.S. crew in-person, live video, live messaging, and self-led care options to help you deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and other common issues. Lyra’s mental health coaches can help you pinpoint what you’re dealing with and support a range of challenges including stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, loneliness, perfectionism, life transitions, mild depression, and more.
Teladoc’s licensed therapists and psychiatrists are available by video to crew enrolled in one of Vanguard’s health plans from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Lifeworks, for crew outside of the U.S., offers counselors and other resources to support your well-being.

Learn more about Vanguard’s enhanced Total Rewards package.

Vanguard’s innovative benefits support your well-being your way

March 23, 2022/in Crew benefits /by nitesh

Vanguard’s innovative benefits support your well-being your way

With a workplace that supports thousands of crew members, designing a comprehensive, best-in-class benefits package requires creativity and a willingness to innovate. This is especially true in the well-being space. That’s why we introduced FlexFund for our U.S. crew in 2022. With FlexFund, crew can make use of this offer in a way that’s personal, highly flexible, and customized to their well-being needs.

What is FlexFund?
FlexFund, powered by Level, is a $1,500 annual stipend program that allows crew to choose the benefits that matter most to them.

This benefit is different from others because it is money that Vanguard sets aside specifically to support crew well-being—whatever that may look like. Crew can spend their dollars freely on the categories below. While we’ve included some examples of the various perks, there are even more that crew can explore.

Physical and Emotional Wellness
• Fitness subscriptions
• Fitness equipment
• Gym memberships
• Emotional wellbeing apps
• Resiliency training

Lifestyle/Convenience
• House cleaning service
• Lawn moving service
• Laundry service
• Transportation

Family Care
• Childcare
• Elder care
• Pet expenses

Technology and Mobility
• Entertainment subscriptions
• Cell phone data plan
• Personal technology device

Financial Wellness
• Tax prep service
• Identity theft service
• Debt/credit counseling service

FlexFund in action
The flexibility doesn’t stop there. Crew can choose to spend the entire amount on one category or across many. These expenses that one chooses can change over time as each crew’s lives change. Even the payment process makes it easy for crew with three flexible ways to pay; digital card, hard card, or reimbursement from a personal card via a modern app.

This forward-thinking offer first started in the tech industry, and Vanguard is one of the first financial institutions to adopt it. Because FlexFund is meant to be responsive to crew needs, the benefits team regularly collects crew feedback about their experience and the kinds of options they would like to see. The list of eligible expenses will change over time based on the feedback and trends.

As for the feedback received thus far, here is what some crew had to say about the FlexFund:

What a great and absolutely flexible way for Vanguard to provide the crew with those little pleasures that help us all from a physical and mental wellness point of view. – Louise K.

Really excited about this one — I love how diverse and practical the options are! Relevant to a range of life circumstances (relationship or parenting statuses too) and more. Feels so useful in making a felt difference in life’s day-to-day. – Rebecca H.

Culture, Diversity & inclusion, Voyage to Vanguard Specialized Leader

Gratitude for friends and colleagues

November 23, 2021/in Crew benefits, Culture /by jortega

Gratitude for friends and colleagues

If navigating challenging scenarios was a course, the COVID-19 pandemic created a master class opportunity for everyone. Unprecedented is the word used most to describe the past 18 months and while it is typically used to describe responding to increased business challenges, the course of the virus and community needs, I’d like to offer an alternate way to think about it. The past 18 months have been unprecedented in the way that friends, family, and colleagues have genuinely shown up for each other. It is the silver lining that I hope doesn’t fade as we see some normalcy just around the bend.

This year, I’ve thought a little bit more about gratitude at work. In the past, gratitude at work was aligned with my team excelling in their roles, knocking a project out of the park, a colleague supporting me as I navigated a tough stakeholder management situation, or covering a meeting for me. All things that are much appreciated, but the gratitude I feel now runs deeper. Over the summer, I learned that my mom was going to have major surgery. I knew I needed some support while I’d be managing a busy career and addressing concerns about my mother’s health. A colleague reminded me that our Vanguard benefits plan includes expanded access to mental wellbeing benefits and encouraged me to sign up. I was equipped with tools and tactics to help me thrive. I feel fortunate to work for a firm that supports crew with a suite of benefits that addresses all aspects of employee wellbeing.

As the surgery date drew near, I was grateful for the distraction of a very busy work schedule but knew that I would need to take some time off. As someone who has always taken pride in being a shoulder for others to lean on, I felt uncomfortable asking for help.

Me and Mom

Over the next two weeks as I took time off work to care for my mom (and my dad as he was caring for my mom), I can safely say that I have never felt my heart so full of sheer gratitude.

I’m grateful that Vanguard supports caregiver time off so that I could be there for my family when they needed it most. I’m grateful for my friends who checked in on me all hours of the day. I’m grateful for my teams who not only called with messages of support, but also kept the business running smoothly during one of our busiest seasons. Most of all, I will forever be grateful for the talented surgeons, doctors and wonderful nurses that were there every step of the way. 90 days post-surgery and my mom is doing great!

I think back on this journey with gratitude, and I’m reminded of a quote from Albert Schweitzer and I’m grateful for the sparks in my life.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer

– Tamara T.

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Celebrating our crew scholars

July 15, 2021/in Crew benefits, Training & education /by manikantashetty

Five Students Throwing Their Mortar Boards in the Air at Graduation

Celebrating our crew scholars

Vanguard supports crew members wishing to further their education and build job-related skills by offering reimbursement for eligible programs through the Vanguard Academic Assistance Plan. The Plan provides reimbursement up to $9,000 per calendar year for tuition, books, and certain credit-based exams for undergraduate and graduate education programs. In 2020, over 600 crew participated in the program.

We congratulated those that recently graduated and shared with them a personal poem.

Though this year has been mostly onscreen
You made it look easy and keen.

You persevered because you’re the best
You made it through—you passed the test!

So don your caps and gowns and don’t be late
Because now it’s time to celebrate.

Vanguard sends congrats and a cheer
To the graduates of 2021—hear hear!

Pictured are a few of our crew who submitted their recent graduation photos.

Take a breath: Upcoming wellness events

May 19, 2021/in Crew benefits, Culture all /by deepikasharma

Take a breath: Upcoming wellness events

Your well-being matters

Let’s be real for a minute—the last year has not been an easy one. The global pandemic has redefined the concept of well-being at home and at work. Whether you’ve had to adjust to virtual school, working where you live, socially distanced or virtual holidays with loved ones, or any of the other ways the last year has changed how we go about our lives, we could probably all use some time to focus on what our minds and bodies need.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Vanguard, along with our well-being partners, is hosting several events to further support the well-being of crew.

Virtual Wellness Expo: How our well-being vendors support crew

Mental health is more than just acknowledging how you feel. In order to aide crew in their holistic mental health journey, our well-being vendors have come together to create a three-day expo. The event features wellness focused on a variety of topics, including:

Understanding the relationship between food and mental health.
Doing desk yoga.
Assistance in practicing mindfulness.
Getting to know each of the vendors and how they can support crew.

A special panel with our vendors will give crew a quick overview of how each of the well-being vendors can assist in their wellness journey. Two of our partners are hosting webinars centered on the topic of resilience:

The first workshop presents a path to resilience via practical, research-supported tools designed to help crew develop healthy ways of coping with their emotions, cultivate an optimistic mindset, utilize the power of social support, and move forward toward new goals more effectively. Combined, these tools can promote quicker recovery from life’s setbacks, and even inspire personal growth.
In the second webinar, crew will see how building resilience can help make daunting tasks seem doable and bring a sense of energy and optimism to difficult situations, which is especially critical for those serving as a caregiver. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this webinar will serve to provide strategies and practices crew can integrate into their daily lives.

Prioritizing mental health

We encourage taking advantage of our new services, especially if crew or a loved one:

Never really considered using mental health care resources, but are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and want to feel better.
Considered using mental health care resources in the past, but have never tried it. One new vendor makes the process easy and can connect individuals with a resource quickly.
Had disappointing experiences in the past. Finding a good counselor can be a little bit like dating, it can take a few tries to meet the right person. Our approach tailors recommendations to personal needs, goals, and schedules.

“At first, I thought I didn’t have an issue with working from home and dealing with the pandemic. I was wrong. You don’t realize the mental toll it takes on you, from the isolation to lack of boundaries between work and home. I took advantage of Vanguard’s new services and was able to talk to someone who could help me work out the tornado going through my brain and focus on having a clearer mind.” – Anonymous crew member.

Vanguard offers a variety of resources and programs to support crew health and wellness goals. We’re invested in our crew and in creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

April 21, 2021/in Crew benefits, Culture all /by rumpamala

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

April 22 is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Prior to having kids, I always imagined myself bringing my adorably cute, super well-behaved child(ren) to my workplace and giving them a glimpse of what mom does every day.

Fast forward to March 16, 2020, when a stay at home order was put into effect for Pennsylvania. Overnight, everyday became ‘bring your kids to work’ day. Spoiler alert: it was not as glamourous as my pre-kid self envisioned. It was downright hard. Reflecting on the past year with my husband, who has also been working from home full-time during this period, I recall good times, bad times and hilarious times. Vanguard has been there for us every step of the way and I couldn’t be more grateful to work for a company that has proven time and again how much they value their employees.

For some perspective, I have three children: an eight-year-old, a four-year-old and a one-year-old. I have had at least one child home each day during work hours for over a year (379 days to be exact as my daughter started back at school full time on Monday, April 5). Here are some highlights that we’ve shared together:

The Good Times

Having multiple family meals together each day.
Watching my youngest son grow up before my eyes and being present for milestones like sitting, standing and walking.
Being a part of my third grader’s education and truly understanding what she is working on each day.
Learning that my four-year-old can nap at any time, in any place – if he’s tired he closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
Appreciating the divide and conquer approach to household responsibilities that I have with my husband.

The Bad Times

I lost my four-year-old one afternoon and after 20 minutes of panic and frantic searching, we found him sound asleep under the couch.
Not only do I play the role of Vanguard professional and mom, but I also hold the title of housekeeper, lunch lady, referee, playmate, teacher, orthodontist and enemy number one (sometimes all in the same day).
Personal space and quiet time cease to exist.

The Hilarious Times

When asked what I do for Vanguard, my four-year-old replied that I talk on the computer phone (not entirely wrong).
I have gotten really good at ignoring the noise around me. On a call one day, one of my kiddos was trying to get my attention by repeating the word “mom” over and over. I was in the middle of presenting a topic and as soon as I finished, I asked if anyone had any questions. Without missing a beat, one of the participants on the call said, “I think someone has a question for mom.”
My one-year-old learned how to hang up calls on my headset – that was fun.

I can’t think of anyone who would say this past year has been easy. Employers have had a real opportunity to step up for their employees, and Vanguard has done so in a big way. It is OK if my kids pop on video calls to say hi. It’s OK if I need to reserve my lunch hour to make sure my kids are fed. It’s OK if I must step away from a meeting to help my child. Vanguard has welcomed my children into the mix with open arms, and I have never had to make excuses for having a life outside of work.

-Schuyler T.