Balancing life and work: Schneider Electric’s support for the sandwich generation

You may not have heard the term “sandwich generation”, but you probably know someone in this group. You might even be one of them. These are individuals, often between 40 and 60, who care for their children and aging parents at the same time. They are quite literally “sandwiched” between two generations that depend on their care, time, and emotional support.

Their children often still live at home or are financially dependent, while their parents require assistance due to age, illness, or reduced independence. On top of all that, many of these individuals are still active in the workforce, and some are striving for professional advancement. This combination of roles can lead to high levels of stress, lack of personal time, and emotional exhaustion. Personal needs are often pushed to the bottom of the list.

At Schneider Electric, we understand these challenges. We know that balancing family responsibilities with professional growth can feel overwhelming, and we believe that support from the workplace is essential. That’s why we’ve built a culture that prioritizes flexibility, well-being, and inclusion—so our people can thrive both personally and professionally.

Schneider Electric is there when it matters most to you

Across Schneider Electric globally, we offer benefits designed to support employees through every stage of life. Our programs reflect our commitment to flexibility, well-being, and family care:

  • Family Leaves (Parental leave, Care leave)
  • Paid Leave
  • Flexibility at Work
  • Employee Assistant Program (including mental, family, and legal counselling)

*Various country-specific programmes and initiatives might also be available.

Personal story: Biljana Udicki (Revenue Intelligence Analyst)

Working in a company that offers not just benefits, but a sense of belonging means more to me than just a job. It’s an environment where I can be a mom, support my parents who now rely on us—just as they were once our biggest support in every stage of life—and build my professional path without guilt.

Returning from a two-year maternity leave, in the middle of a pandemic, was a huge challenge. I was welcomed with a new career opportunity and continued my career in a direction that fulfills me today. Yes, there are days when I ask myself: ‘Why am I doing all this?’. Especially when I feel like I need a few more hours to get everything done.

Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of three children, family, parents, and my own needs often feels like mission impossible. But children grow, become more independent, help with household chores—and every day it gets a little easier, and I learn to balance.

What’s my favorite benefit? Working from home. Not just because it’s a practical solution, but because it gives me the most valuable thing—time. Time to be there when a child has a fever, when a parent needs help with a doctor’s visit, when there’s a birthday party at kindergarten at 3 PM and tasks are still waiting.

Working from home allows me to be present—as a professional, a daughter, a mom, a friend. It’s not just a benefit, it’s a tool for balance, for a life that doesn’t have to be split into “personal” and “professional,” but can be lived as a whole.

Our commitment to inclusion and care

At Schneider Electric, we believe everyone deserves the flexibility and support to balance personal and professional priorities. That’s why we focus on creating an environment where all employees feel empowered to use the benefits available to them without hesitation.

Through our commitment to well-being, flexibility, and security, we strive to make systemic support and understanding a standard for everyone. Regardless of family role, life stage, or background. This is how we build an inclusive and caring culture where every individual can thrive, including those in the sandwich generation.

Ready to join us?

If you’re looking for a workplace that supports you through every stage of life, explore our open roles or join our Talent Community today to stay updated on new openings and insights!

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