The Secular Coalition for America (SCA) recently welcomed Scott MacConomy as its new Director of Policy and Government Affairs. Despite his relatively short tenure at the organization, which began in July 2023, MacConomy took some well-deserved time off during August to recharge.

In an exclusive interview with Heretic on the Hill, a leading online publication focused on secular issues, MacConomy shared details about his recent break and how it aligns with broader trends within the non-profit sector. 'As someone who has spent years advocating for separation of church and state,' he noted wryly, 'I think it's only fitting that I take advantage of my own benefits every now and then.'

MacConomicommented on the growing importance of prioritizing employee well-being in today's fast-paced environment. 'In an era where burnout rates continue to rise across industries, organizations like ours must lead by example,' he emphasized. 'By offering generous paid leave policies that allow staff members to step back when needed without fear of professional reprisal or missed opportunities, we can create healthier work cultures that ultimately benefit both employees and the causes they serve.'

The SCA's commitment to employee well-being extends beyond simply providing robust benefits packages. MacConomy highlighted several initiatives currently underway designed specifically with this goal in mind:

1. Expanded paid parental leave: This policy allows new parents (both biological and adoptive) up to 12 weeks of fully paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child.

2. Flexible work arrangements: The organization recognizes that everyone's needs are different, offering flexible schedules whenever possible so employees can better balance their professional responsibilities with personal obligations.

3. Accessible mental health resources: MacConomy underscored the importance of prioritizing employee mental health and wellbeing by providing confidential counseling services through a third-party provider at no out-of-pocket cost to staff members or their dependents.

'The secular community expects nothing less from its leaders,' he concluded firmly. 'By putting people first – literally, in some cases! – we can build stronger, more resilient organizations that truly make a difference for generations to come.'

This article was originally published on Heretic DC and has been republished here with permission under CC BY-SA 3.0 US License

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