Bring Your Child To Work Day - yes or no?

[MumsnetJobsTeam]

Many companies have Bring Your Child To Work Day, where parents can show their children where they work and give them some experience of the workplace.

On one hand, these days can be an opportunity for children to learn, as well as find out more about their parents' lives. They can also make parents feel more supported in the workplace as their children are positively acknowledged and encouraged.

However, some say Bring Your Child To Work Day could be challenging for those who have lost a child, or are struggling to conceive. There are also some who think the practice isn't worth the potential drop in productivity - particularly for childless colleagues who are distracted, whether they like it or not.

We'd like to get your thoughts on Bring Your Child To Work Days. Are they a fun, useful opportunity, or something that should be approached with caution? And if so, what could companies do instead?

I think it is fine within reason. If your child is old enough to be in social settings, there is no reason they cannot go... I often take my sons to work with me, although I am not in a strict "office-setting" like some people.

I think open days and tours can be good. Work experience for year 9 onwards is a great thing to offer too. Not sure about trying to bring children into a normal working day, especially not when you add in the effects on the childless employees.

When I was a child my Dad worked in the aerospace industry. Some of the open days where family got tours were really interesting and educational. Brilliant to see the machines and the factory floor.

I work in large scale brewery and the kids always want to go

I also feel it would be fairer if employers offered placements that were then matched through schools to children which might help a bit more with social mobility.

If you're the sort of business which can do Bring Your Children to Work, it's quite likely you'll be the sort of business which will also work with local schools. It's possible to do both.

Depends what your job is. Brain surgeon? Maybe best not to have a four year old throwing things and screaming.

We just have them look around the workplace and learn about it, then do some organised activities in an unused room. Only a few hours, and good for socialising. DD3 met her best friend from it last year.