This year, Take Your Child(ren) to Work Day is Thursday, April 28th. While the national holiday is designed to enlighten children as to what their parents do every day and bring the two closer, some businesses have concerns. We’re breaking down the legal aspects to alleviate some of those concerns.
Liability
The risk of liability is always a big one for business owners — after all no one wants to be on the hook for accidents or injuries that happen at the workplace. How can this risk be limited? First, engage staff to be safety ambassadors. Second, conduct a walkthrough the afternoon before and check for dangerous or hazardous conditions and clean them up, or be prepared to declare them a no-fly zone. One other manageable aspect that may limit the risk of liability includes pets. Some offices allow pets at work, which might be fine for every other day, but could pose a threat or danger on Take Your Child(ren) to Work Day. Ask staff to keep their pets at home to avoid bites, attacks, or anything else.
Behavior
Remember an adult’s behavior could have a big influence on children, so make sure the staff is gently reminded to watch their behavior. And while some of these things should be daily considerations, on this day especially, have staff avoid profanity, yelling, inappropriate or offensive comments or jokes. Likewise, remind the staff that whether they are a parent or not, they will be held to the same standards of conduct as to performance and attitude. Therefore, no one should be given special treatment for bringing a child, such as late arrivals, extended lunches, or early clock-outs. Besides, children should see their parents at work, not in an altered reality, otherwise they lose the benefits of the day.
Child Labor
It’s no secret that many children who participate in the holiday and go with their parent(s) to work are older. They are thinking about their future and/or considering their options, which is fine. They may show a real interest in the job and want to be put to work to make the time go by. Consider tasks that may be given to them, and make sure they are minimal at best. Remember, they should be observing, not put to work for free child labor.
Following these legal tips for Take Your Child to Work Day will ensure a fun and kid-friendly day for all. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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