Babies in the Workplace

skilled workers, we will realize an economic savings for the agency."

   Audrey Russo of MAYA Design said that after they first allowed an employee to bring in her baby, "People started to appreciate the perks they get from working here--things they might have taken for granted. Having a baby come in really made them aware of the other perks" the company provided.

   Cathy Weatherford of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners explained that:

   We had an expectation that we would never
   get 100% out of a staff member returning
   with an infant. But in the long run, you end
   up with much higher employee retention
   and overall good will.

Increased Morale

   All the profiled businesses believed that a baby-to-work program improved the morale of nearly everyone who was around the babies.

   The most obvious effect is seen in the parents who are able to bring their children to work with them. These parents rave about how much they appreciated the opportunity. Angel Rimbault, of Schools Financial, commented that the program "was an awesome thing. It was wonderful
not having to leave my baby with a day care person. Having to do that would tear me apart." She said:

   One of the main reasons I chose to work at
   Schools was that I knew about their policy
   about babies [in the workplace]. I knew I
   wanted another child, and that's why I went
   to work for them.