As we step into Women’s History Month, it’s important to take a look at the women we surround ourselves with and how they inspire us. Whether this is in our personal lives or in the workplace, there are women we look up to who have set an example of what it looks like to work hard and achieve success.
I am lucky enough to have a number of women I can think of who have been this example for me, but there is one who stands out among the rest. My mom, Lea Panosian, showed me from a young age what hard work and dedication looked like while also balancing an even more important and difficult job—being an incredible mom to four kids. She is one of the few people who dedicated her work to one company for over 40 years at Georgia Power. This not only shows dedication on her part but also demonstrates the power of a company that values its employees and knows how to retain them for the long haul.
From leadership training and mentoring to working as a development coordinator, and eventually serving as the E-Business and Customer Service Manager, she has been a part of numerous teams that shaped her into the strong businesswoman she is today. It was always interesting hearing her talk about her different roles and responsibilities over the years and how she grew her career and carried skills from one team to another.
When it came time for me to get my first job, the natural stress of figuring out what I wanted to do with my life hit me faster than I expected. But I was able to take a deep breath, look at my mom’s experience, and realize that starting in one lane doesn’t mean you can’t change direction down the road. Her career showed me that every role teaches you something valuable, and often shows you skills you may not have even realized you had and ultimately paving the way for continuous growth.
I was equally impressed by the company my mom worked at for 40 years, Georgia Power. As a large company, it’s very common for businesses of that scale to lose sight of what it means to give back to their employees and continuously thank them for the work they put in every day. A company's employee retention strategy should be ever-evolving and should take employees' preferences and personal lives into consideration, whether that means offering a more flexible work schedule or providing additional PTO as their tenure grows.
Her experience is a testament to the company’s strong employee retention strategy and she shared some key factors that made it a great place to build a long-term career:
“Reflecting on my 40 years at Georgia Power, I can confidently say the company’s commitment to its employees played a key role in my decision to stay. Competitive pay, strong benefits, and a positive culture are essential to employee retention. A well-aligned compensation package, combined with a supportive culture, fosters trust and shows employees they are valued.
Communication is crucial and employees need timely, accurate information about company activities. Management with an open-door policy that encourages feedback and questions creates an environment where employees feel heard and engaged, leading to greater satisfaction and retention.
Most importantly, companies that invest in career growth foster long-term commitment. My managers consistently encouraged training and provided special projects to prepare me for the next step in my career. This investment in my development not only helped me succeed but also reinforced my decision to stay with the company for four decades.”
Balancing a full-time corporate job while coming home to four kids is something I can’t wrap my head around, but my mom was able to do it with grace. As I have stepped into the corporate world, my appreciation for all she did has grown exponentially. From a young age, she demonstrated that putting in hard work and knowing the value you bring to a role and company wasn’t going to be easy—but that you have to fight for what you deserve.
One month isn't enough to celebrate and show appreciation for all the women who have paved the way before us. Take a moment to reflect on the women around you, whether they are peers at work or individuals in your personal life, and consider how they’ve helped you recognize your value and how you, in turn, are paving the way for other women.