This May, in celebration of ‘Family Month,’ Coupang Ads and the HR team hosted a meaningful workshop focused on parenthood and how the organization can better support working parents. Building on ongoing efforts to make Coupang Ads a great place for employees of all kinds, the gathering brought together colleagues from various life stages, including mothers, fathers, and those who are unmarried or without children, to share experiences and reflect on what genuine workplace support looks like.
Leadership commitment
The session opened with a welcome from Caleb, VP of Coupang Ads, who emphasized the team’s commitment to creating an environment where working parents can thrive both professionally and personally.
“I’m happy to see many male employees participating in today’s workshop. Whether you’re already a parent or considering starting a family, my hope is that you feel confident doing so at Coupang without fear of your career. For those who are already parents, your experiences are invaluable in helping us build better support systems.”
Hearing this message directly from leadership underscored that this is not a side conversation. It’s a core priority in creating a better workplace.
Honest conversations and shared realities
The event began with a lighthearted activity where participants shared childhood and family photos, setting a warm tone for open dialogue. To ensure the conversation was both meaningful and strategic, a pre-event survey was conducted to better understand the real challenges and needs of working parents at Coupang Ads.
Participants also shared that recognition at work plays a key role in helping them feel valued, and that parenting has strengthened their skills in problem-solving, multitasking, and emotional resilience. While there was strong appreciation for the support currently in place, many expressed a desire to deepen community connections and cultivate a more empathetic workplace culture.
A conversation with Jinny
As part of Coupang Ads’ ongoing support for parents, the workshop featured a special session with Jinny—a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience and a mother of three. Having changed jobs ten times and built a fulfilling career, Jinny spoke candidly about the importance of prioritizing quality time over quantity and encouraged parents to be intentional rather than perfect in managing work and home life. Her heartfelt message reminded attendees that maintaining one’s identity and making time for self-care are essential parts of the parenting journey.
Harmonizing work and parenting
Our HR team also shared practical strategies to help employees harmonize caregiving and professional responsibilities, drawing on research from respected scholars. It highlighted how shifting between roles can reduce stress and how embracing multiple responsibilities can lead to personal growth. The session encouraged participants to transform self-criticism into self-compassion and ended with a values-based reflection exercise to help team members align their priorities.
Various voices and real stories
During a candid group discussion, participants shared personal stories that added depth and authenticity to the conversation. Fathers spoke about their experiences with parental leave and how Coupang Ads’ onboarding programs helped ease their return to work. One employee shared how her mother’s dedication to education and career inspired her and her daughters to live authentically and pursue lifelong learning. These stories underscored the ongoing journey of balancing work and family and highlighted the importance of continuous support and understanding within the team.
Continued efforts to build a supportive workplace
Beyond this event, as part of its ongoing commitment to creating a better workplace, Coupang Ads has introduced several initiatives aimed at creating a healthier, more supportive work environment — especially in recognition of Family Month. To support employees navigating parental leave, Coupang Ads updated internal guidelines to ensure a smoother and more transparent experience for both those going on leave and those returning. These updates help employees reintegrate with confidence and clarity.
Coupang Ads continues to cultivate a healthy and respectful workplace culture by reinforcing the importance of honoring core collaboration hour. They promote mutual respect and support a sustainable work-life harmony.
To further strengthen team spirit and appreciation, a new campaign was launched inviting employees to recognize and celebrate one another. This initiative not only uplifts morale but also shines a light on the everyday contributions that often go unspoken, helping to build a culture rooted in gratitude and connection.
These initiatives will culminate in a special Meet-Up event, where team members will share personal stories under the theme, “How my family’s support helped me grow at Coupang Ads.” This gathering will highlight the many ways family life contributes to professional growth and celebrate the people and relationships that empower employees to thrive.
Through these ongoing efforts, Coupang Ads remains committed to continuously enhancing the workplace experience and helping employees thrive.
In the community |
A special event was held for Coupang's e-sports players with disabilities, including Kim Min-jun and Kim Gyu-min. Coupang signed an MOU with the prestigious professional gaming team, DRX. Watch the video now to learn more.
In the community |
To support a healthy balance between work and family life, Coupang is putting massive efforts to create a family-friendly corporate culture.
In the community |
To support a healthy balance between work and family life, Coupang is doubling down on its efforts to create a family-friendly corporate culture. Watch the video now to learn more.