to think that if everyone took their babies to work it would be chaos in the workplace?

[NonAstemia]

Watched www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01l4529/Babies_in_the_Office_Episode_2/this earlier this evening, about Addison Lee the cab firm who had a trial of employees bringing their children into work with them - youngest was a three month old, eldest was over two years.

Interesting programme and I admire the MD for thinking in such an innovative way, but my feeling is that if the practice was widespread it would be absolute chaos and I'm not sure that it's the best environment for the children either.

I'm aware that lots of people will disagree and think it's brilliant - I'm not looking for a bunfight! I'm just interested in people's perspectives on this.

Is this the way of the future or complete madness?

For those interested in why Addison Lee want/need good publicity this week

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18802453

and madness in certain workplaces - shop floor in retail? Pubs, restraunts, hospitals, prisons, emergency services the list could go on for a while!

ThePan - I think it's pretty definitive.
As OberMeisterHR myself, this would absolutely be my reason

Even in an office environment, there is no room for children of any age.

People go to an office to escape from their children, doncha know?

I have to say ds would have been great in my office, he wouldn't have bothered me at all. Dd would have been a screaming, demanding nuisance....as she still is to be fair.

maddening - shop floor in retail is quite handy.
it depends what kind of shop and whether you've got a playpen/safe area for the child.

DD is behind the till most of the time, and if she gets bored, i take her into the reading corner. Customers love her!

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I watched it too & was amazed. A placid, well-behaved baby might just work, but as soon as they were mobile, I would be wetting myself as to what they'd get up to. Fingers in socket gantrys, annoying work colleagues, pulling stuff off desks. Most people toddler proof their homes for a while, when DCs are at the dangerous stage. Would workplaces be expected to do the same? I'm just thinking of how rigourous childminders have to be to show their homes are safe.
If your DC did little jobs like deliver papers or pens or something, could companies get sued for unpaid child labour?
Nice idea - but not sure how it would actually work.