Many parents are more involved in their adult children’s careers today compared to previous generations. You’ve probably heard of Take Your Child to Work Days. Now, major companies like Google and LinkedIn offer days when you can bring your parents to work.
It’s one way to bridge the digital divide. After all, there are a lot of technology jobs that didn’t even exist as recently as a few years ago.
A LinkedIn survey found that 59% of parents want to know more about what their child does at work, and 50% thought they could help their kids more if they had a better understanding of their career.
If you want to give your children wise advice, these tips will help you get started. Try them with your child and with your employer.
Steps to Take With Your Son or Daughter
- Learn about their work. If you have trouble describing what your child does, ask them to explain. Discover how they contribute to society. Before you know it, you’ll have a greater appreciation for big data analytics or VoIP service phones.
- Provide encouragement. Show your support. Keep up with the latest news in their industry. Listen when they talk about what’s going on at the office. Congratulate them on their victories and empathize with their disappointments.
- Share advice. Greater knowledge will enable you to give more constructive feedback. Think about your own experiences and how they may be relevant. Even if you’re a farmer and your child is a hedge fund analyst, some issues like teamwork and flexibility will still apply.
- Be a good role model. Set a good example. Demonstrate the value of meaningful work, cooperation, and giving back to society. Start early with discussions about responsibility, service, and non-material rewards.
- Keep an open mind. Depending on your age, dress codes and office layouts may look a lot different than what you’re used to. Welcome positive changes and innovative thinking.
- Meet their coworkers. Personal relationships play an important role in your child’s job satisfaction. Take advantage of opportunities to get to know who they share a cubicle with.
- Resist meddling. Respect your child’s independence. Proofread their resume but let them go on interviews alone. It’s up to them to negotiate their own salary and benefits package.
Steps to Take with Your Employer
- Organize a Parents Day. Help your workplace get on board with the latest trends. Suggest a day for parents to visit. Coordinate the invitations and agenda. Set aside time for a tour, presentations, and conversation.
- Provide targeted communications. Develop materials that parents can use. You may want to create a special section on your company website or Facebook page. Create an email newsletter that parents can contribute to.
- Offer training. Parents play an important mentoring role. Furnish them with recommendations on how to put their knowledge, experience, and wisdom to good use. Put together an online course they can take or a checklist they can refer to.
- Focus on family events. Consider a family component to office events when appropriate. Recent graduates may benefit from having their parents take part in their orientation. Older workers caring for children and elderly parents may like to include them in social gatherings.
- Welcome brand advocates. Be prepared if parents and other family members want to become more involved. They may be able to assist with anything from recruiting to social media.
Supportive families can help us all be happier and more productive at work. Learn more about what your child does for a living and participate in their professional network.