Kids Day will feature craft activities, a shared lunch in the park, visits to the South Australian Business Chamber members Tree Climb and Haigh’s Chocolates and other activities.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Nigel McBride said staff appreciated the chance to bring their children to work, and were more engaged because management had listened to, understood and responded to their concerns.
“Kids Day has shown us that by encouraging parents to bring their children to work they feel more appreciated, they know we understand their needs and accept their holiday challenges, and they look forward to sharing what they do with their kids,” Mr McBride said.
“If working parents or carers and their children look forward to coming to work, they are more likely to be productive and engaged. The staff whose children are coming have told us how much they appreciate the day.”
Vacation care and sports programs are fantastic options during school holidays, but working parents still need to manage drop-offs and pick-ups. They can also be costly, adding up to thousands of dollars over a year. Mr McBride said bringing children to work alleviated stress and meant parents did not have to worry about time constraints or clock-watching for one day.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is a family-friendly workplace where many staff work part-time or flexible hours. We value their role as working parents in our organisation and we are trying to relieve potential stressors, including having to juggle children on a constant basis,” he said. “A day of activities twice a year is a drop in the ocean for many, however, we’re holding these in recognition of the challenges working parents face.”
Mr McBride said many employees did not have children, and the day was an opportunity to draw attention to their colleagues to recognise and understand how difficult it could be for them.
Parents are contactable at all times during the day, and two parents or staff are rostered hourly to oversee activities. All parents join their children for lunch at a park, ensuring they also get some exercise and fresh air.
After the inaugural Kids Day was held last January, many organisations contacted the South Australian Business Chamber to discuss how they could run similar events. The South Australian Business Chamber recognises many do not have the facilities or the staff available to look after children but is happy to share insights.
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Verity Edwards on 0412 678 942.
10 January 2019
