“Treating each other and ourselves with care isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity if we’re going to thrive. Resting isn’t an afterthought, but a basic part of being human.”
― Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
In 2021, EverThrive Illinois embarked on a transformative journey to ensure we embody the values we advocate for in Illinois. With the support of our board, we took significant steps to foster a culture of rest and growth.
One of our first initiatives was expanding our parental leave policy to offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave. We believe that parents deserve ample time to recover and bond with their newborns without the stress of job insecurity.
We also introduced a Sabbatical Program, granting every full-time staff member one month of paid leave after five years and two months after ten years with us. This initiative recognizes that time away from work—whether to rest, travel, pursue a hobby, or be bored—can significantly enhance productivity and creativity upon returning. We want to emphasize that our staff are human beings, not just human doings. We are all more than our paid labor.
To further promote this culture, we instituted an Annual Quiet Week. During this week, we encourage staff to refrain from scheduling meetings—both internal and external—to catch up on reading, tackle long-standing projects, or just catch up on email or their to-do lists.
Additionally, we close the office at 1 PM every Friday and close the entire office during the first week of July and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. We recognize that solving some of today’s most pressing issues requires well-rested leaders. We aim to create space for our team to rest, disconnect, and recharge.
We also prioritize professional development. We do this through all-staff training sessions and individual-identified learning opportunities. We support our staff in their growth journeys. Whether their tenure with us is brief or long, we want people to grow in our organization.
While we’ve made significant strides, our work is far from over. We remain committed to cultivating an environment where everyone at EverThrive Illinois can flourish and feel proud to be part of our mission. Above all, we strive to create a just and affirming workplace where all staff can thrive.