From day one, we’re looking out for our employees’ well-being—at work and at home—so they can realize their full potential. Our award-winning Total Rewards include support for our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellness. Learn how Integration Design Engineer, Denys Gomes, took advantage of our 12-week paid family leave to help take care of his newborn daughter who needed surgery only a few days after birth.
1. How did you take advantage of GM’s paid family leave?
I was fortunate that my Studio Engineering Group Manager reached out to me and explained that GM offered a paid family leave that could be useful for me. He thought it would be a great opportunity based on my family situation. I was extremely grateful and didn’t think twice about it.
2. How did this leave assist your family life?
I had twins and one of the babies, Bella, needed surgery a few days after being born. I had to drive an hour and a half to get to the University of Michigan Hospital, which specializes in heart disease. GM’s 12-week paid family leave allowed me to visit my daughter every day and make sure she had everything she needed, while my wife stayed at home and took care of our five-year old son and Bella’s twin sister. I’m not sure how I could have supported my family in this critical time without this leave.
3. What’s your favorite part about working for GM?
The trust and relationships that I have been able to build over the last 13 years with colleagues has been wonderful. I really enjoy being able to support the design studio. Supporting them with the surface work they do while keeping customer needs in mind is the best part of my job.
4. What does a typical day look like for an Integration Design Engineer?
Every day is a new day, I can tell you that! As an Integration Design Engineer, I support the design studio. I’m essentially the middleman between the studio and engineering. A lot of challenges and deep investigation takes place to support the studio. When things don’t go the way we want them to, I handle the escalation process to solve the problem, which is something I really enjoy.
5. Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I am still learning and developing my career at GM, but I have a few coworkers that I see as mentors, and I would like to be like them one day. I learn from people every day and continuously work on developing my skills. I am inspired by those around me and I am excited for what’s to come!
6. What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
Believe it or not, I am a retired goalkeeper! I played soccer since I was five years old and retired as a goalie in Brazil to become an Engineer!
