Children at Work

While this policy is optional, some employers want to include a policy that allows employees to bring their children to the workplace with them. It is generally beneficial to ensure this policy discusses items such as the following: responsibilities for adequately supervising the child, what your organization may do if the child is not being adequately supervised or becomes problematic in the workplace, and how frequently or regularly the child will be allowed in the workplace.

It also may be helpful to have employees sign a waiver or release form before bringing their children to work. This type of agreement can help reduce your risk related to events taking place at your organization. (For an example, see our Activity Participation Agreement.)

Other questions that your organization is encouraged to consider and address in this policy include the following:

• Will there be a child age restriction? If so, what will the age restriction be?
• Will employees be permitted to bring ill children to work with them?
• How will the organization handle complaints that might arise concerning employees’ children?

Depending on how many employees want to bring their children to work, does your organization have enough space to accommodate the children and their childcare providers? If each employee is responsible for hiring a childcare provider, what requirements would the employee have to meet? Some issues related to childcare providers might include screening and paying providers, ensuring adequate supervision, and making sure that childcare providers have insurance coverage. (Unless childcare providers are employed by the organization, they wouldn’t be covered by the organization’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage).

Resource:
Sample Activity Participation Agreement 

SAMPLE POLICY:
CHILDREN AT WORK

(Name of organization) understands the importance of the parent-child relationship and wants to nurture that relationship. However, (name of organization) strives to provide all employees with a rewarding and productive workplace and understands that the presence of employees’ children in the workplace can be disruptive to the work environment. Employees may bring their children into the workplace, but they must adhere to the terms of this policy and sign an activity participation agreement.

The child shall not be brought to work on a frequent or regular basis, and the employee must first obtain permission from his or her supervisor. The workplace is not a substitute for proper daycare arrangements for an employee’s child. Additionally, an employee’s sick child may not be brought to work. If employees need time to resolve a childcare situation, such as a sick child, the employee must leave work and use any applicable leave or time off.

If an employee’s child is brought to the workplace, that employee shall have sole responsibility for the child’s needs and behaviors. The child shall always be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of the employee. If the nature of the child’s visits becomes problematic, or if the child disrupts the workplace or the employee’s performance, the employee’s supervisor will advise the employee of the issue. That employee will be expected to take corrective action immediately. In the event the employee does not take immediate corrective action, the employee’s supervisor will take appropriate action.

This is a sample handbook policy only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this document should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your area. Brotherhood Mutual assumes no liability in preparation and distribution of this sample document.

Working Together © 2022 Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. www.brotherhoodmutual.com/working-together. Updated 9/2021.