A CHANGING EPA WORKFORCE: ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENTED STAFF

Kandice quickly screens her incoming messages, then joins a conference call with one of the company's top clients. Clad in green plaid pajamas, she sips on her orange juice, and listens attentively as her client describes what is envisioned for an upcoming conference in San Diego. Downstairs, her nanny fixes breakfast for Tyler and James, her two and four year old sons, and starts a load of wash. Kandice is a project team leader for a large consulting firm based in Chicago. She works at home four days a week and handles about 7 of the firm's clients. She will take time at lunch to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with her sons, and to go for a walk to the park after their nap. Kandice, like many other working mothers in their twenties, wants a flexible work-at-home schedule, where she can spend time with her young children. She asked for 6 months of maternity leave. In return, she does an outstanding job for the company. She is creative, innovative, has outstanding communications skills. and is a whiz at the latest technology.