A Guangzhou company in the Huangpu district has maintained a unique employee benefit for over two decades, allowing staff to bring their children to work during school holidays. GLOBAL UIN, a local catering firm, provides free meals, activity spaces, and a safe environment for children, addressing a common concern for working parents.
Xia Xiaoying, the company's chairman, stated that the practice stemmed from her own experience as a working mother. She understood the anxiety of leaving children at home, so she allowed employees to bring them to the office. This informal policy has been in place since the company was founded, with no formal documents or regulations governing it.
Inside the office, children are a common sight. Small desks, picture books, and crayons are placed near workstations. In the conference room, some children quietly do their summer homework, while others gather in a separate room to watch cartoons. A craft table is stocked with scissors, drawing books, and other supplies.
The company does not operate a formal daycare center but opens up parts of its public areas for children's use. Designated zones include a reading area, a homework area, and a movie-watching area. Play facilities like a ping-pong table, fitness equipment, and a slide are also accessible. At mealtimes, children eat with their parents, enjoying the same free lunch and dinner buffet provided to all staff, with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables.
Addressing the childcare gap during school breaks
Xia explained that the arrangement was not a deliberate childcare project but a natural evolution from her own early days as an entrepreneur. She deeply empathizes with the challenges faced by working mothers, so the company has always allowed children on-site. There is no age limit for the children, and the company provides a nursing room for breastfeeding mothers. On days with many children present, staff take turns supervising, reminding the kids about safety and good behavior.
Cao Manlin, a soon-to-be fourth grader, enjoys spending time at her mother's company. She likes watching movies in the reading room with other children and playing games. She described the company as "like another home."
Impact on employee stability and retention
This employee benefit has a positive impact on the company's culture. The entire office staff at GLOBAL UIN's headquarters is female, with most being married mothers. Xia noted that she does not believe bringing children to work affects productivity. Instead, it fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees. By providing this environment, the company retains its staff, which is beneficial for long-term development.
The source of this information is from a local newspaper report.
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