Children in the Workplace

This is what I see in the American Work Place for the future. It would be a spectacular achievement for families to be together under one roof, and it would take so much pressure of mom, and it would bring so much comraderie to the work place. Non-family interested bosses would finally get a clue!

Hattiesburgamerican.com
Area Employers Allow Kids at Workplace, Set Up Day Care

By Jeannie Peng

If local businesses seem a little crowded with youngsters, that's because managers are letting employees bring their children to work, since day-care centers and schools remain closed after Hurricane Katrina.

Since the power went out at her home, Cynthia Sims of Hattiesburg has brought her daughter, Camisha Buckley, to work at Big Star grocery store.

"After the hurricane, my manager said it was fine for me to take my child to work," Sims said.
While at work, Sims said, Camisha helps her by bagging groceries and placing items on the shelves.

"I enjoy having her here," Sims said. "I don't want her home alone without electricity."
Noel Stringer, Big Star manager, said he understands his employees' concerns.

"I don't have a problem with employees bringing their children when the schools are closed," Stringer said. "They can sit next to their parents at the cash registers and help bag groceries."

Al Harvison, store director of Sunflower in Hattiesburg, said that during emergencies, he will make an exception for his employees who have children.

"The majority of our employees, who are parents, find relatives to baby-sit their children," Harvison said. "But if they can't and there's an emergency such as this hurricane, they are welcomed to bring their children to the store."

Employees of Forrest General Hospital have been able to work and not worry about child care. Troy Daniels, human resources manager, said the hospital opened a day-care center in the conference area Sunday before the hurricane.

"Our employees were able to stay here during the hurricane and work because their children were here," Daniels said. "Since then, the most children we've had in a day is about 80. To get our employees here for our patients, we will feed and entertain their children. We will provide day-care service until schools and day cares open."

Children at the makeshift day care have little to complain about with a media room, nap time room, activity room and an infant room.