Thursday, 9 January 2020
It can be a constant struggle when it comes to juggling younger children during school holidays, with most working parents unable to take more than two or three weeks off during the festive period.
The South Australian Business Chamber recognises how hard finding and paying for care can be for workers and small to medium-sized business owners and will today (Thursday 9 January) hold its biannual kids day for staff and their children.
Kids Day will feature fun outdoor games with the South Australian Business Chamber member The Studio at West Beach’s Kelly Delfos, craft, a shared lunch in the park and other activities. And we’ll be making sure the kids are sun smart and under shade when outdoors.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese said recognising that just a little bit of support for parents, once or twice a year, could make a significant difference when it came to balancing parenting and work.
“Our staff love bringing their children to work for Kids Day, and their feedback tells us they feel more appreciated, they know we understand their needs and accept their holiday challenges, and they look forward to sharing what they do every day,” Mr Haese said.
“If children look forward to coming to their parents’ work, our staff are more likely to be productive and engaged and work more effectively. They’re also less worried about pick up and drop offs and what their children are up to.”
Mr Haese said bringing children to work alleviated stress and meant parents did not have to worry about time constraints or clock-watching for one day. It also saved them the expense of paying for carers, vacation or sporting programs for one day.
The South Australian Business Chamber is a family-friendly workplace where many staff work part-time or flexible hours.
“We value working parents at the South Australian Business Chamber and if we can relieve potential stressors, including the parental juggle during school holidays, we’ll try to help,” he said. “Two days of activities a year means very little disruption, and we’re alleviating the challenges working parents face.”
While many of the South Australian Business Chamber’s employees did not have children, Mr Haese said the day was an opportunity to draw attention to colleagues and show support where possible.
Parents and staff are rostered on with the children throughout the day, and all parents join their children for lunch at a park, ensuring they too get some exercise and fresh air.
Since its first Kids Day in 2018, many organisations have contacted the South Australian Business Chamber to discuss how they could run similar events. The South Australian Business Chamber recognises many organisations don’t have the facilities or the staff available to look after children and it is not possible at all workplaces.
