Press Releases

Professor Sheila Wellington Invited to The White House Forum on Workplace Flexibility

Earlier this month, Sheila Wellington, NYU Stern Professor of Management and Organizations and advocate on behalf of women in business, joined a group of 50 CEOs and government leaders invited by President Obama to discuss the importance of flexible arrangements in today’s workplace. Speakers included CEO of the Campbell Soup Company Douglas Conant; Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors; US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis; and John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management.

Titled "The White House Forum on Workplace Flexibility," the meeting opened with a talk by First Lady Michelle Obama, who stressed the benefits of promoting flexible work arrangements to help employees balance the demands of a career and family. President Obama concluded the day, stressing his support of such efforts. Both the President and the First Lady spoke of their own experiences and need for flexibility as they raise their two children. The President noted that the U.S. Patent Office is piloting a flexible work arrangements program on behalf of the government.

Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, has since contacted the attendees to plan follow up meetings and events.

"The White House has noted that this is an issue of necessity for both men and women in today’s workforce," Professor Wellington stated. "The days when Dad went to work and Mom made peanut butter sandwiches and watched soap operas are over. Bringing up kids, educating them, putting a roof over their heads takes two paychecks, not one."