In this interview, Megan (Chilton) Farwell, an experienced People Consultant at Work Friendly, opens up about our game-changing leave management services. With over 10 years of experience, Meg shares how Work Friendly helps organizations handle planned leave periods with ease. From smooth transitions and personalized support to making sure employees and teams feel valued, Meg explains what makes the Work Friendly approach so unique.
Q: How have clients discovered leave management services through Work Friendly?
A: We find that clients often uncover the value of our leave management services when we’re already working on other projects for their teams. While addressing larger HR initiatives, they realize the unique challenges and gaps that leave management can create, and trust us to step in with support.
Q: What is the typical scope of leave coverage?
A: At Work Friendly, we approach leave management as a project scope. We carefully outline the level of support required, whether that’s fully taking over someone’s role, maintaining ongoing initiatives, or helping with broader team objectives. This way, the service is customized to meet both the specific needs of the organization and the individual going on leave.
Q: How does the coverage typically work?
A: Our team begins onboarding prior to the individual’s departure, ideally with a month of overlap. This transitional period allows us to fully grasp their responsibilities, open topics, and workflows, enabling smooth integration with the rest of the team. The best part? We’re not just there for the departure — we also support their return. With a one- to two-month overlap when they come back, we ensure they are brought up to speed on any changes and important initiatives that occurred during their leave. This dual approach helps streamline transitions, saving organizations time while easing the stress for everyone involved.
Q: Why should organizations take this path in managing associate leave?
A: This approach is invaluable because it provides comprehensive support for both the individual going on leave and the team that will be operating without them. We know that HR teams are often already stretched thin, and by offering seamless coverage we help ensure that operations continue without disruption. Additionally, it sends a message to employees—especially working parents—that they are valued and supported, which is foundational to cultivating employee trust and organizational loyalty.
Q: When do you typically hear from clients seeking leave management services?
A: Most often, it’s during parental leave scenarios, when HR teams are already operating at capacity. However, we’re also seeing a broader trend of teams recognizing the need for better support systems for their employees—whether that’s due to capacity gaps or a desire to stand out as an employer that truly supports work-life balance.
Q: What are some additional benefits of this service?
A: One significant benefit is that employees can fully disconnect during their leave and focus on what matters most—whether that’s their family, health, or personal needs. Meanwhile, peers and managers aren’t burdened with the added pressure of covering their responsibilities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Q: Could you expand on what makes Work Friendly’s approach unique?
A: At Work Friendly, we pride ourselves on being more than just placeholders during leave. We act as real-time, real-person proxies. Our consultants fully integrate into the organization, responding and executing just as the associate would. Behind every consultant is a team of HR experts providing guidance, ensuring both operational continuity and strategic alignment. This dual layer of expertise sets us apart. Not only do we understand the logistics of leave, but we also have the hands-on experience to execute the work seamlessly.
Q: What’s the key takeaway from Work Friendly’s leave management service?
A: Simply put, we bridge the gap during leave periods by providing tailored support that prioritizes both the employee’s experience and the organization’s needs. It’s about creating a balance—employees can step away with peace of mind, knowing their work is in capable hands, while organizations maintain momentum.
About Meg Farwell:
Meg Farwell is a seasoned People Consultant at Work Friendly, bringing over a decade of corporate experience. With six years dedicated to the People function, she has supported businesses ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies. A former Head of People, her expertise spans the entire employee lifecycle, and she is passionate about finding tailored solutions to enhance both employee and organizational success.
