Industrious, a leading global workplace provider, has partnered with Sparrow to revolutionize their employee leave management process. This collaboration has significantly enhanced the leave experience for Industrious employees while allowing the company to focus on its core values of “head, heart, and hands.”
Putting our People First
Industrious is the leading workplace provider for companies of all sizes and stages. With over 160 flexible workplaces in more than 65 cities around the world, Industrious has built a reputation not only for delivering the world’s best workplaces, but also for its exceptional employee experience. The company’s commitment to its workforce is evident in its recognition as one of the Best Midsize Companies to Work for in the US in 2024.
Rachel Broder, Senior Director of People and Culture at Industrious, explains the company’s philosophy: "Our company culture and employee experience stem from our values, or ‘head, heart, and hands.’ Head is about acting with integrity and making decisions we’re proud of. When we talk about heart we mean how we show up for one another, assume positive intent, and collaborate. Hands is all about rolling up your sleeves, showing ownership of your work and getting things done.”
"The Sparrow team is an extension of our own team, and we’re grateful for the partnership."
Rachel BroderSenior Director of People and Culture
Broder said that over 60% of Industrious employees are frontline teams who work directly with members. “But everyone at the company—from finance to design and construction, to real estate—is working in service of creating an incredible member experience,” she explained. “That’s one of many reasons why we feel so strongly about taking care of our employees. They take care of our members so it’s our priority to take care of them.”
Industrious is particularly proud of the highly subsidized health insurance they provide. “We exited our PEO in early 2023, partly because we wanted more control over our benefit offerings,” she explained. “It’s important that we provide our employees with comprehensive and affordable health care for themselves and their families.” Industrious offers other benefits including 100% paid medical and parental leave, generous PTO, and an annual $600 learning and development grant for each employee. “We want people to invest in themselves, and for them to know we’re investing in their development,” said Broder.
The Challenge: Prioritizing Employee Experience During the Leave Process
When Industrious decided to exit their Professional Employer Organization (PEO) at the end of 2022, they faced the challenge of managing employee leaves internally without compromising the quality of employee experience. With employees spread across 30 states, each with unique leave guidelines, the task seemed daunting. “We want our teammates to feel supported by Industrious during life events, such as having a baby or needing a medical leave. One way we can do this is to make the leave process as seamless as possible and ensure our employees have access to the resources they need,” Broder emphasized.
Sparrow: The Solution for Seamless Leave Management
Industrious found their answer in Sparrow, a leave management specialist that aligned perfectly with their values and priorities. Sparrow’s professionalism, compassionate approach, and one-on-one support was exactly what Industrious was looking for. The partnership has transformed the leave process for Industrious employees.
Key Benefits of the Sparrow Partnership:
- Personalized Support: Sparrow Leave Specialists provide one-on-one support, guiding employees through the entire leave process.
- Streamlined Administration: Sparrow handles paperwork, communicates with insurance providers, and follows up with state officials on behalf of employees.
- Compliance Assurance: With ever-changing leave laws across different states, Sparrow ensures Industrious remains compliant in all locations.
- Improved Payroll Process: Sparrow’s dashboard and automated calculations have made the payroll process smoother and more accurate for employees on leave.
"We want our teammates to feel supported by Industrious during life events, such as having a baby or needing a medical leave. One way we can do this is to make the leave process as seamless as possible and ensure our employees have access to the resources they need."
Rachel BroderSenior Director of People and Culture
The Result: Enhanced Employee Experience
The partnership with Sparrow has allowed Industrious to significantly improve its leave management process, resulting in:
- Increased Employee Satisfaction: Employees now have a dedicated resource for all leave-related questions and concerns.
- Time and Resource Optimization: The Industrious people team can focus on strategic initiatives like talent development and culture.
- Confidence in Compliance: With Sparrow’s expertise, Industrious can ensure they’re following all state-specific leave laws correctly.
Broder summarizes the impact: “Sparrow has been a great partner for our people team across the entire leave cycle. The fact that Sparrow are leave experts gives everyone, especially our employees, more confidence in the process. The Sparrow team is an extension of our own team, and we’re grateful for the partnership.”
By prioritizing the employee experience during critical life events, Industrious has reinforced its commitment to its team. This investment in employee well-being not only aligns with the company’s values but also contributes to its reputation as an employer of choice in the competitive workplace provider industry.