|
Children
in the Workplace
Memo
Posted 2/16/1994
UCSC FACULTY AND STAFF
Dear Colleagues:
RE: Children In The Workplace
There have been a number of recent complaints concerning staff
and academic appointees who are bringing children to work for
extended periods of time, possibly as an alternative to arranging
for regular child care. These complaints have come as expressions
of annoyance from co-workers about work disruption; of concern
from individuals who feel obligated to, or are asked to, help
supervise children while attempting to complete their own projects
and assignments; and of worry for the welfare of young children
who may be exposed to unsafe environments.
The University welcomes children in campus residential settings
and provides child care programs on campus for staff and faculty
(the Infant and Toddler Program at the Children's Center located
at Family Student Housing and the YWCA Granary Child Care Center).
Children and their parents participate in various recreational
and athletic programs on campus year round. Such family-oriented
activities are supported by the campus.
In addition, all members of the University community are encouraged
to remain sensitive to the needs of working parents, and supervisors
and managers are asked to attempt to accommodate working parents
who have special needs as a result of family obligations. Various
options for leaves and alternate work schedules are available
through staff and academic personnel policies and procedures
and Memoranda of Understanding. The recent Federal Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993 is an example of an appropriate approach
to family issues.
As an employer, however, the University cannot permit either
staff or academic employees to provide child care at the worksite
or office. Office and work space is not designed with the safety
of children in mind. There are safety hazards and possible University
and supervisory liability in the event of accident or injury.
Although the campus-at-large strives to be a family friendly
environment, it must be recognized that it is not appropriate
to bring children to work as a substitute for making arrangements
for regular child care while at work. Such a practice is not
permitted by campus or University policy.
Faculty and staff with
child care issues are encouraged to use the Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) as a resource. UCSC's EAP services provider,
Managed Health Network, can provide literature on selecting child
care facilities and a list of community resources that can be
contacted for additional information and assistance. Counselors
with managed Health Network are also available to help deal with
other issues related to child care, such as feelings of guilt
or anxiety over placing a child in day care, balancing work and
family responsibilities, etc. For information and assistance,
please call Managed Health Network at (800) 654-6717.
Sincerely yours,
Julia E. Armstrong
Assistant Chancellor
- Human Resources
[Top of Page]
|