Meet the Family Matters Business Resource Group at Bread Financial®
Bread Financial created its Family Matters Business Resource Group (BRG) in 2019 to further enhance its family-friendly offerings and programs, and to create even better work-life harmony for its associates. Led by President Melissa Noll, a traffic manager on the Brand & Creative Agency team, the BRG has since grown to more than 350 global members and has influenced a variety of business changes around associate and family benefits.
As a wife and a mother, Melissa says family is an important part of her identity, and she initially joined Family Matters to network, learn about the business and experience the company’s culture as a new, remote associate.
“I joined the BRG when I joined the company just over two years ago, and my involvement grew from there,” she said. “The definition of family is something that’s continually evolving, and it is important associates have a safe space – regardless of what family means to them – to connect, learn and grow.”
The definition of family is something that’s constantly evolving, and it is important associates have a safe space – regardless of what family means to them – to connect, learn and grow.”
Melissa Noll, Senior Traffic Specialist, Bread Financial
Responsible for the timing, resourcing and execution of a variety of creative projects in her full-time role, Melissa has been able to draw on her day-to-day responsibilities to help execute a variety of BRG events as president. She most enjoys the opportunity to bring associates across the business together through different events and is proud that the BRG has served as a conduit to influence change based on the evolving definition of family.
“We offer a lot of education around Bread Financial’s existing family benefits, and based on what we’re hearing from members, we are able to bubble up issues and suggestions through the BRG’s executive sponsors and the People and Culture team,” she said. “For example, we once had a member share about an older parent being part of a scam, and we were able to bring someone in from the Attorney General’s office to speak about elder scams and how to prevent them from happening in your family.”
Working from home full-time, Melissa also takes advantage of the company’s flexibility, saying it ultimately makes her a better wife, mother, employee and leader.
“It’s more than just the hour you get back without a commute, it’s about being there when my son gets home from school or if he doesn’t feel well,” she said. “It’s really meaningful that Bread Financial recognizes that associates are people with lives away from work. Being able to take care of other things going on in my life and even participating in the BRG during company time makes me want to work harder and do more both in and out of the office.”
It’s really meaningful that Bread Financial recognizes that associates are people with lives away from work. Being able to take care of other things going on in my life and even participating in the BRG during company time makes me want to work harder and do more both in and out of the office.”
Melissa Noll, Senior Traffic Specialist - Bread Financial
Learn more about the Family Matters BRG in the Q&A with Melissa below.
What is the purpose of the Family Matters BRG and what are its goals?
Family Matters is a network and support system to help associates learn, connect and navigate topics important to families today. We’re always trying to expand on what family means within the business and to let associates know that a family doesn’t have to be a straight married couple with two kids. There are so many different definitions of family, but no matter the situation, everybody is part of one. The BRG facilitates important conversations and provides support for (and representation of) all types of families, including parents, caregivers and allies.
Have there been any changes at Bread Financial that were driven by Family Matters?
One of the main reasons Family Matters was formed was to help expand on the company’s family-oriented benefits. We partner closely with the People and Culture team to help ensure benefits and resources are equitable and align with current associate needs. We also help connect associates to family benefits and services that the company offers, such as mental health and financial wellness resources, fertility support and elder and back-up care.
What are some of the events Family Matters has hosted this year, and what is upcoming?
Our events are designed to address the diverse needs of families and to provide associates with important resources and information - and to have some fun, of course! We began the year with a cooking class for members and their families, and in the spring, we hosted information sessions on several topics, including wellness, mental health and financial benefits. In May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we participated in Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves 5K where we were the top fundraising team, and we hosted our inaugural “Take Your Kid to Work Day” at the Easton office in July. Right now, we’re finalizing plans for a family art class, our popular Trunk-or-Treat event and a discussion on kids and technology during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
What can an associate interested in joining Family Matters expect?
At the end of the day, the BRG strives to create a safe, inclusive environment that exemplifies our company values. We meet monthly as a full group and host events when they make sense for the business and are valuable to our members. We have members from all of our locations, including Bangalore, India, and host many meetings and events virtually for greater participation. Additionally, we also have active discussion groups on topics such as elder care and family activities.
About Bread Financial™
Bread Financial™ (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company providing simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions. The company creates opportunities for its customers and partners through digitally enabled choices that offer ease, empowerment, financial flexibility and exceptional customer experiences. Driven by a digital-first approach, data insights and white-label technology, Bread Financial delivers growth for its partners through a comprehensive product suite, including private label and co-brand credit cards, installment lending, and buy now, pay later (BNPL). Bread Financial also offers direct-to-consumer solutions that give customers more access, choice and freedom through its branded Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card and Bread Savings™ products.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Bread Financial is powered by its 7,500+ global associates and is committed to sustainable business practices. To learn more about Bread Financial, visit BreadFinancial.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
