Dervilla Lannon, Verkada's vice president of people, is known for implementing benefits at a rapid-fire speed.
In 2021, within minutes of recommending a new fertility benefit, Lannon got approval to roll it out company-wide. Only a few days later, all Verkada employees had access to a $10,000 benefit for all types of family-building needs, such as egg-freezing and IVF, as well as adoption and surrogacy. For Lannon, the process is rather simple:
"It's harder to navigate bigger organizations and to effect change as much," says Lannon. "That's why I like working for Verkada, because effecting change can happen really quickly."
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For Lannon, who was raised in an Irish village of just 300 people, community has always been important. After nearly 15 years as a corporate lawyer, Lannon sought to do something more people-oriented. Now, at Verkada, a security operating company, Lannon found a job that aligns with her values. With a total workforce of 1,500 employees, she's able to
Lannon is always seeking out solutions that are pushing the envelope — especially for families. Recently, Lannon added a $250 meal reimbursement benefit for new parents on leave; for nursing moms that travel frequently, a membership to the breast milk shipping company, Milk Stork. In addition to adoption and surrogacy benefits, she also helped implement backup child care support and a food delivery stipend. As a new mom herself, Lannon has realized how complicated juggling a full time job and parenthood can be.
"When you have a child there's a lot that you're navigating," says Lannon. "Even if you're not at work, you're probably thinking about work. You've got all these things happening at home. Benefits like these are something to give people a reprieve."
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To come up with strong benefits, Lannon believes that listening is crucial. On her arrival at Verkada, one of the first things on Lannon's plan of action was to simply talk with as many people as possible. Such conversations have been revelatory. Last year, for example, after talking with a co-worker diagnosed with breast cancer who was now concerned about their ability to build a family, Lannon was determined to help — and did so by expanding fertility benefits that week.
Ultimately, her expedited approach to benefits keeps her focused on what matters most to her: helping others and giving back.
"I'm super passionate about people," says Lannon. "I want to be in a position where I can enable other people to do well in their careers as well."
