What inspired HPE to prioritize caregiving support for your employees? Did a personal caregiving experience or story influence the decision to implement these benefits? 

At HPE, we genuinely believe that our people are our greatest strength, and that belief drives every decision we make behind their experience with the company. Prioritizing caregiving support wasn’t just a strategic move; it was a human one. Many of our team members are navigating complex caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, aging parents, or loved ones with health challenges. We recognized that to truly support our people, we needed to meet them where they are in life. While no single story sparked our caregiving initiatives, the collective experiences of our workforce did. Team members often share the emotional and logistical challenges of balancing work with caregiving. Their stories made it clear that we had an opportunity to lead with empathy and innovation. That’s what inspired us to act. We didn’t want caregiving to be a silent struggle; we wanted it to be a supported journey.

Please share an example of an innovative caregiving program or policy at HPE that has made an impact. 

One of the most impactful programs we’ve introduced at HPE is our Global Parental Leave Policy, which provides all new parents with six months of fully paid leave. This industry-leading benefit reflects our belief that the early months of parenthood are critical, and every family deserves time to bond and adjust without financial worry. 

We’ve also expanded our backup care benefits, offering 10 days per year of free care for children, adults, or elder loved ones. This means HPE covers the cost of care, so team members don’t have to take time off or scramble for solutions when the need for alternative caregiving arises. This has been a game-changer for team members facing unexpected caregiving needs, whether it’s a school closure, a medical appointment for a parent, or a last- minute change in care arrangements. 

For breastfeeding parents, we offer milk shipping services, enabling them to send breast milk home while traveling for work. It’s a small detail with a big impact—helping parents maintain their routines without compromising their professional responsibilities. We also provide financial assistance for adoption and surrogacy, reflecting our commitment to supporting diverse paths to parenthood. And for working parents, our homework help and test prep services offer academic support for their children, easing the load at home and helping families thrive. 

These programs reflect our belief that parental caregiving takes many forms, and each one deserves thoughtful, personalized support.

What advice would you give to other leaders looking to support caregivers in their workplace? 

Support starts with listening. The most powerful insights come from your people. Create spaces for them to share their experiences and be ready to act on what you hear. 

Caregiving support isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires flexibility, empathy, and a willingness to challenge traditional workplace norms. Ask yourself: Are we designing policies for a limited group, or are we designing for the full spectrum of the human experience? 

Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of caregiving support. When team members feel seen and supported, they bring their best selves to work. That translates into engagement, retention, and the bottom line.

The Milken Institute Future of Aging’s report, Supporting Family Caregiving: How Employers Can Lead, highlights strategies such as paid leave and flexible schedules, workplace education and support, digital tools and resources, and financial planning education and benefits. How has HPE integrated any of these strategies, and what are the long-term goals for these initiatives? 

I’m proud to say HPE has embraced many of these strategies.  

We invest in workplace education and support, including confidential counseling, stress management programs, access to a caregiving support provider, and a subscription to Headspace, a mindfulness and meditation app that helps team members manage stress and build resilience. These resources help caregivers manage the emotional toll of their responsibilities, whether they are caring for children, aging parents, or other loved ones. 

Digital tools provide virtual health-care access and concierge-style support for navigating complex medical needs. We’re leveraging technology to make caregiving easier. On the financial planning front, we offer tax-free reimbursement accounts for health care and childcare, generous 401(k) matching, and financial counseling services. These benefits help caregivers plan with confidence. 

Our goal is to continue evolving our caregiving support in step with our team members’ needs. Ultimately, we want HPE to be a place where team members thrive during all phases of their caregiving journeys.