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Allowing Workers to Bring Their Kids to the Office

Amy Morin

September 16, 2013

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Some employers are doing what might have been unthinkable a few years ago - they're allowing employees to bring children to work. 

Although there are some potential cons to having children at the office, there can also be some great benefits that may make small business owners think twice about allowing it.

Reasons for Allowing Kids at the Office

A lot of small businesses lose good employees because of childcare issues. Often, mothers go out on maternity leave only to never return.

Placing a child in daycare is not only expensive, but it causes a lot of anxiety for parents.

Being allowed to bring a child to work can be a logical solution that saves employers a lot of money in the long run. Instead of having to recruit and train new employees, mothers return to work with their baby in tow.

A policy that allows children to go to work with parents can be a great perk that can allow small businesses to attract more people. The more people interested in working for your company, the pickier you can be about who you choose to hire.

Allowing children at the office sends the message that you want your employees to balance work and family life. In return, employees may be more willing to do some work from home when necessary.

Benefits to the Employee

When parents are allowed to bring young children to the office, it can mean that they're actually less distracted. Instead of having to call the daycare several times per day to check up on a baby, workers can have their baby right at their desks.

Employees may be less worried about their children which can free up their mental energy to focus on their job.  The more they're able to focus, the more productive they'll be.

It can also reduce an employee's absences. Daycares often close at the last minute, due to illness or weather, which can force an employee to stay home. However, when employees don't have to worry about daycare, they can come to work as planned and reduce unforeseen absences.

Negative Aspects of Having Kids at the Office

Of course there are some potential downsides to having kids at the office.

Employees without children may be annoyed or may risk becoming resentful when they hear babies crying all day.

It could interfere with other employee's work. Those that love children may be tempted to play with the babies or talk to the toddlers rather than focus on their job.

It can also create a less than professional office culture. Baby bottles and toys don't usually mix well with suits and briefcases.

Making the Policy Successful

Before allowing a parent to bring a child to work, hold a team meeting. Allow employees to talk about their concerns. Discuss strategies that will help everyone feel comfortable.

For example, you may want to decide that children won't be allowed at meetings. In this case, you may want to provide childcare for important meetings where everyone is required to attend.

You may also want to allow children to only access certain parts of the office. That way, people without children won't have to worry about a customer overhearing a baby crying in the background when they're on an important call.

Create an atmosphere that will meet the needs of your current employees. Don't be afraid to adjust your policies as needed to keep your employees happy and productive.

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