Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day

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By:  Kim Adamson

This year’s Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day is on Thursday, April 25, 2024. It is a national event held annually on the fourth Thursday of April. The program is an exciting career day opportunity for parents, guardians, and mentors to give their children a glimpse into the professional world and experience where they work and what they do during the workday. More importantly, the purpose is to show girls and boys the value of their education, to help them discover the power and possibilities of work and family life, to provide a chance to share how they envision the future and to allow them to begin steps toward their goals.

This year’s theme, “Inspire 2 Aspire,” instills the mindset that children can choose their future. The theme incorporates the mission and objectives of two organizations working together, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation and Junior Achievement, and highlights the collaborative development of youth, preparing them to navigate the evolving world of work. The goal is to offer children information about various careers and industries, encourage them to explore different paths, and envision a future where their unique strengths can contribute to more diverse, harmonious, and dynamic workplaces. According to the two organizations, the campaign “aims to create a ripple effect, where the inspiration gained by the youth transforms into a force for positive change, shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered workforce.”

“Take Our Daughters to Work Day” was founded in 1993 by Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation for Women and initially focused on empowering girls. In 2003, the program was expanded to include both boys and girls and renamed “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” or “Take Your Child to Work Day.”

Hosting a Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day at your organization can be an excellent way to create a positive work environment and boost morale. If you plan to host an event, information about planning and resources can be found at the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation website:  https://daughtersandsonstowork.org/.  Below are some planning guidelines and activities to make your event run smoothly and be a rewarding experience for both your employees and their children:

  1. Set Expectations:
    • Communicate Clearly: Before the big day arrives, tell your employees what to expect. Discuss appropriate behavior at the workplace and give them a sense of the day’s schedule. Ensure employees know they must remain with their children throughout the event and plan work expectations with managers, co-workers, and clients.
    • Dress Code: Explain your workplace’s dress code for children and parents on the event day.
    • Headcount and Age Limit: Ask employees to provide the names and ages of children attending the event. Ensure employees know if there is an age limit and that younger children understand they will be in an adult environment.
    • Schoolwork: Remind parents to notify the child’s school about the event and plans to make up any missed schoolwork.
  2. Create a Schedule:
    • Determine timing and who is responsible for certain activities: Send communications about the event to employees and staff assisting with activities.
    • Balance Activities: Aim for a mix of observational and interactive activities.
    • Observational: Allow children to sit in on meetings or shadow their parents during work tasks.
    • Interactive: Involve them in simple projects or tasks related to your industry. Consider hosting a mock interview and Q&A session for older children or teenagers.
    • Group Events: Consider group events or office tours to provide a broader picture of a typical workday.
    • Meals, Snacks, and Drinks: Coordinate providing snacks and drinks for the group. Determine if the company will provide lunch (i.e., pizza or sandwiches). Ask parents about any allergies and plan accordingly.
    • Company SWAG: Decide if any company SWAG is available to distribute to the children (e.g., notepads, sticky notes, pens, pencils, etc.).

Hosting a Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day is also a valuable life lesson in workplace etiquette. By creating an engaging and educational experience, employers and parents can inspire the next generation of professionals!

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