Take Your Child to Work

Since the year 2020, for many parents, almost every day has turned into ‘Take Your Child to Work Day, while working from home.

However, as we hope to bring many parts of the 'previous normal' back, many employers are open to allowing employees to bring their children into the office from time to time.

I was first introduced to the concept in 2007 while working for #citibank during a diversity and inclusion drive. And since then, I always felt this is an excellent idea to not only provide the young minds an opportunity to get accustomed to the work world and excited to explore careers but also an awesome tool to engage employees at work. Some of the benefits besides many that I have learned are:

?1. Understanding Work Life Balance:

It is difficult for children to always understand why work sometimes takes priority. When your children learn what you do all day in your office, it gives them a better sense of understanding of why sometimes you have to come early or stay late in the evenings. You can speak to your children about how you achieve work-life balance. This may provide elder children specially to learn on creating boundaries themselves when they go off to college or start their career.

?2. Learning the Importance of Problem-solving Skills

Children learn to solve problems by doing and watching. Allow your kids into meetings or business trips (where possible) so they can observe. Through observational learning, your kids will pick up tips for working through differences and conflicts. Of course, it’s imperative to keep your cool while problem-solving. That way, they’ll see what type of demeanor is appropriate for stressful situations, and those observations will help them learn to communicate and collaborate effectively.

?3. Exploring Future Careers & Best Behaviors

Your children may not always realize all of the work possibilities available to them. When they come to your workplace, they won’t just see what you do, but what everyone around you does, too. Perhaps your career path doesn’t line up with your son’s or daughter’s talents and interests, but a co-worker’s might.

At the same time, your child will observe the way that business professionals talk to each other and to clients. When your kids grow up and join companies or open their own businesses, they’ll emulate the way they observed you acting in professional settings.

?4. Introducing the Importance of Managing time

Some children are better time managers than others. Help your child draw connections between what?they?need to achieve and the time allotted for the task by explaining your own time management system. Share your handwritten planner or online calendar with them when they come to your workplace. All children can use helpful hints to better manage their own growing to-do lists as they advance in school.

Make plans to bring your children to your workplace soon. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes at the end of a Friday, the experience could make a lasting impression. Plus, you’ll enjoy watching your child make new discoveries with you around.