Have you ever thought of bringing your parents to your workplace? I used to think that my workplace isn’t something interesting to see because there is nothing to be proud of. My parents may not need to know the table where I sit, the people I work with, or the pantry where I usually have my cup of tea. Until one day, I saw Heilyn, one of my co-speakers at an UX event, bringing her mom to the 4-hour-long show. I suddenly think that I could have brought my mom and dad too, but I don’t think they could sit for 4 hours and listen to things that they don’t understand. Their daughter is the final speaker of the show, they must be very tired. However, the thought of bringing my parents to my work life is still hanging over my head a few days later.
The decision
I came back home on a Friday evening, hearing my mom coughing so hard. After reviewing her current prescription with my friend who is a doctor in the US, I booked an appointment for her at a clinic near my company. Then I think, there is no other chance that is better than this one. She could pass by my workplace and see part of her daughter’s life. “Mom, after the checkup, you should come and see my company before you go home” – I said to my mom.
My mom and my colleague
The day has come. Unfortunately, I had a stomachache the night before. I was super tired that I couldn’t go to walk in the morning. I tried my best to wake up and book a Grabcar for my mom to the clinic. Then I quickly got back to sleep. About an hour later, my mom called and said that she finished the check up and told me to pick him up. I booked a grabbike to take her to my place, a renting apartment. I told her that we may not visit my company today because I’m so tired since last night. She didn’t show any disappointment and happy to go home after having breakfast at my house. I noticed that she picked up a very nice dress today and wore her newest pair of shoes.
I decided to took all the energy left to bring her to my office.
Three of my teammates picked her up at the entrance gate of the building. I followed after her on a different motorbike. My mom was able to attend the last part of a ceremony in my company where employees of the years are awarded with certificates. She saw how happy my team was when one of us got the award and how we celebrate together. Then I took her to upstairs where my team is located. I introduced my table where she recognized some familiar belongings. Everyone in the office wonder who my mom is and put on a welcome smile as soon as I introduce her. At the end, we took a picture of her and my teammates.
Why this is a good idea
In the evening I called her to ask about today. She was really happy to see my company and how friendly my colleagues are. She also enjoyed the breakfast that I prepared for her and wanted to have more breakfast like that. This is when I know that I did the right thing. Here are the reasons why bringing our parents to the company can be a meaningful thing to do:
- Our parents are getting old quickly every day. They don’t know how our life is going on, who we met, what we do and where we go. They become being isolated to the world. Introducing them to our work life brings more comfort and excitement to their daily lives.
- It opens up more conversations between you and your parents because they know what and who we are talking about. My mom stays at home all day long, so the need to talk and share is crucial to her.
- It brings the excitement to the workplace. Our colleagues feel connected to us more as they get to know our family.
- Lastly, isn’t it like the school time when your parents visit your class and talk to your teachers 😉 It’s a chance to live the moment of childhood, again.
Don’t leave our parents behind. They always love to join our life.
