Originally published on Principal.com

When Jennifer S.’s son was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, she was overwhelmed by the unknowns that lay ahead.

Being a working mother, she also knew she already had Principal’s support and flexibility.^® she needed to move forward. Her boss and colleagues immediately stepped in to find ways to support her.

“My team knew there were days I was locked in and working my butt off. They also knew that there were days when I would have to step away to answer a call and that it might not be the easiest conversation,” says Jennifer. And that flexibility continues eight years later, as she balances her responsibilities as director of leadership and talent development.

Shelley G., director of learning and development, also relied on this culture of work-life fit when caring for family members with diverse abilities and her own scoliosis.

“My husband and I took care of his mother and brother for three years,” says Shelley. “The flexibility was enormous.”

Finding connection and community in the OneAbility ERG

It’s not just flexibility that has kept Shelley and Jennifer as principals for more than two decades each, but also the inclusive culture.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do; you’re accepted,” Shelley says. “And if there’s someone who doesn’t accept you, that’s easy to resolve.”

This part of our culture is crucial to Shelley, who remembers being bullied in high school after her diagnosis, given that she had to wear a visible back brace. “It’s definitely shaped the way I treat people and why I want to pay it forward and help people with disabilities,” she says.

She does this in part through her involvement and leadership within our OneAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG), which she was first drawn to after attending an event where Principal employees living with different abilities shared their stories.

Since his arrival, Shelley has helped lead various efforts. A highlight is mental health awareness and resources for employees during the pandemic through efforts such as mindfulness classes in partnership with our Wellness Center and an educational session with an expert external.

His efforts within the group have also led to opportunities outside of Principal. She currently serves on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization that focuses on financial empowerment for people with different abilities. “Getting involved in GREs opens up a lot of opportunities for you,” she says.

For Jennifer, OneAbility has been a place to connect with other parents who care for them. “They were very important to me in helping me navigate part of the medical journey.”

For example, when children returned to school after the pandemic, she and another parent discussed decisions about risks.

For her, it is equally important to connect with and learn from people with disabilities. “By listening to understand what works and what doesn’t work for others, I can learn how to help my son,” says Jennifer.

She also enjoys opportunities to volunteer with community organizations that support people with disabilities. In 2024, she saw Principal-sponsored philanthropic efforts come full circle to impact her son; he received a specialist bike from Variety, one of the main beneficiaries of Charity Classic funds. (They will be able to go on family bike rides to buy ice cream again!)

Create a culture in which everyone can thrive

From benefits like flexibility to GREs, Principal aims to create a culture that helps employees like Jennifer and Shelley thrive.

“I feel like people care about me not only as an employee,” Jennifer says, “but also as a person.”

Senior Financial Group, Inc.

Senior Financial Group, Inc.

About Principal Financial Group®
Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with approximately 19,000 employees.¹ passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 145 years, we help approximately 68 million customers1 plan, protect, invest and retire, while working to support the communities in which we operate and build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2024²member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and named “Best Places to Work in Financial Management.”³.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion and purpose at principal.com.

¹ As of September 30, 2024
² Ethisphere, 2024
³ Pensions and investments, 2023

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