Family day out at the workplace

Last November, LinkedIn had its first Bring in your Parents Day. Employees were encouraged to bring their parents to see their offices and gain an understanding of what they do. Google, too, has a similar day.

It is important to note that employers realise the strong influence of parents. The CEO of a multinational company wrote a letter to the parents of a high-potential candidate for help. It worked. When the man tried to tell his mum that he wanted to take up another job, she would not hear of it. Being a wise man, he capitulated. Mothers do know best.

I think having such a day is a good thing as many of us take our work home, where we let off steam and soon the whole family knows all your work mates by name. So, being taken to the workplace will definitely fill in all the gaps.

I don’t know if children are included in this invitation, but I don’t think that would be a prudent move. You might have voiced an opinion about somebody at work within hearing of the young ones. So, they just might embarrass you if they were to ask loudly, “Who’s the man you said is absolutely clueless about his job?” Or “Is that the person you said was a loudmouth?” That could probably be your last day at work.

I speak from experience. Years ago, a niece, who was five years old then, repeated something I had said about a neighbour in the sanctity of the house, never dreaming that my words would come back to haunt me. Sure enough, the next time that person came home, the girl ran to inform her about her aunt’s candid opinion. Needless to say, that was the end of a friendship.

This parents-day-out could turn out to be a disaster if you haven’t been completely truthful with them. You may have given them the impression that you are the big boss at work with powers to fire and hire although the actual situation might be just the opposite. In that case, I would suggest not telling your parents that your company has this policy of allowing them a peek into its internal working. Better to be safe than sorry.

I know there are some US companies where people can bring in their pets. I think that’s a wonderful idea. However, if the pet is a dog, one must make sure it doesn’t have territorial issues. You know, the kind that growls when anyone comes too close for comfort. So, your dog must have the right temperament. Being antisocial just won’t cut it.

The cuter the pet the better the chances of breaking the ice with some in the office whom you may not interact with often. And if you are male, and the women flock to your cubicle to ooh and aah over your pet, you’re on to a good thing obviously. You will now be seen in a new light. From the office recluse you turn into a man with a hidden softer side that will appeal to the fairer sex.

And the goodwill lingers long after the source of the softening process has gone. The very next day, you will find people shouting out a greeting or, better still, stopping at your desk to ask about your pet. But don’t let this sudden attention go to your head. It’s actually a case of transference. Your doggy’s appeal has rubbed off on you. Your pet’s lovable qualities will be seen as a reflection of your good taste.

The first lesson here is to choose your pet wisely. There are some breeds which enjoy mass popularity. If, however, you are the type who likes collecting spiders, I would suggest you leave them at home. This collection will not draw the attention you seek. Remember the golden rule — you are known by the company you keep.