“Through the Eyes of a Child:  Reimagining Your Business on ‘Take Your Child to Work Day'”

By Andrea Feinberg

As a fractional Human Resources consulting firm, TogetHR Consulting has seen many strategies to improve a business’s inner workings. However, ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’ offers a unique perspective to reassess your company from the perspective of someone whose only involvement is that mom or dad is one of your employees. Let’s explore your businesses through the candid and unfiltered viewpoints of two visitors: a 9-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl.

Curiosity and Clarity: The 9-Year-Old’s Observation

Children are inherently curious, and your 9-year-old visitor is no exception. As he explores, ask yourself:

• Products: Are they engaging enough that he asks “What’s that?” Can he understand the basic purpose of your products? This can indicate how intuitive and user-friendly your products are; how easily they capture attention, the first step towards ‘I gotta have it!’ mentality.
• Environment: Is there something in the office that draws his attention? An interesting design, a colorful wall, or a cozy corner? Does your young visitor feel welcome, encouraged to look around and stay awhile? The environment speaks volumes about your company culture and can indicate areas that may need more vibrancy or life; areas that are inviting to strangers.
• Interaction: How do employees interact with him? Are they patient, kind, and willing to explain what they do? The way your team communicates with a child can mirror their approach to new and existing clients. While it may be rote to your team, you’ll never want to communicate that to a first time visitor who may be a customer, investor or important connector in disguise.

Inclusion and Aspiration: The 13-Year-Old’s Insight

Teenagers have developed a stronger sense of social understanding. The 13-year-old girl can provide insights into:

• Values: Can she see evidence of your company’s values in action? Whether it’s a recycling bin for sustainability or a wall display highlighting employee achievements, visual cues of your values can reinforce them to your team as well as visitors forming impressions about you as a desirable business partner.
• Policies: How does the company accommodate for her visit? Is there a clear plan that ensures her safety and engagement? An attractive, well-lit washroom? Well thought-out policies for visitors show organization and care, which reflect on your company’s overall attention to detail. They display an awareness of visitors’ likely needs and can create a welcoming message.
• Growth: Does she find the company “cool” enough to aspire to work there one day? Are there programs that could foster her interest in the industry? Engaging the younger generation now could mean inspired future employees.

Opportunities for Improvement

Children’s observations can lead to profound insights:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Do your visitors see diversity in roles and leadership positions? A diverse team not only enriches the company culture but also expands your business’s appeal and relates to a broader customer base.
• Education and Development: Is there a way to explain what your company does in simple terms? This is a litmus test for how well you communicate your brand’s message internally and externally.
• Feedback and Adaptability: Are you open to their questions and willing to consider their suggestions, no matter how off-beat they might seem? This openness can foster a culture of innovation.

By considering your business from the perspective of these youthful visitors, you can uncover areas for improvement that, in your daily familiarity with your business and inner assumptions, you might have overlooked. It’s not just about making the workplace ‘kid-friendly’ for a day, but about using their fresh perspectives as a tool for introspection and improvement. As a fractional HR consultant, we can help you turn these observations into actionable strategies that bolster your business from the inside out. Learn more about us here.