It’s a Family Thing: Take Your Child to Work Day at IGS

Pancakes. Trivia. Pizza. Crafts. For the children of IGS employees, participating in the company’s annual Take Your Child to Work Day, it’s just another day at the office. More than 50 kids reported for ‘work’ at IGS on April 25, 2019.

Nationally,  3.5 million workplaces participate in what’s known as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, which falls on the fourth Thursday in April. “As a family-owned company, it was a natural fit for us to focus on developing an engaging program for our employees’ families. It’s not the typical ‘sit with mom or dad all day’ situation,” explained Alissa Durbin, director of human resources.

Planning for the big day

Regan Donoughe, rotation analyst in IGS’ legal department and Lucy Farrimond, solutions center team lead, were co-chairs for the 2019 event. “We met regularly to organize a day that’s rewarding for everyone,” said Donoughe. Activities vary, but are focused on keeping the kids active, physically and mentally.    

This year’s theme was centered around weather, which plays a very important role in energy supply—IGS’ core business. “The kids got to learn about how weather affects our business and what we do at IGS,” said Farrimond. “Our hope is that the knowledge they gain will give them a small glimpse into the importance of the energy industry.”

It’s all in the family

Take Your Child to Work Day is one of the many ways IGS prioritizes employees and their families. “From our robust benefits package that includes fully-paid parental leave to annual family events featuring free food and entertainment, we are proud to support our people both at work and at home,” said Durbin. “As for Take Your Child to Work Day, it gives our employees a chance to show off their workplace to their biggest fans—their kiddos!”

According to Melissa Minerd, learning and development program manager, “I loved being able to spend one-on-one time with my daughter and show her just why I love coming to work at IGS each and every day.” Her oldest daughter, Ava, enjoyed the day, too. “I liked making solar lights because they were cool and fun!”

Participants took part in a variety of activities, from a pipeline challenge, where kids had to get a ball from one side of the room to the other using PVC pipes, to assembling donation bags for the Community Shelter Board, which focuses on homelessness prevention and outreach efforts in the Franklin County community.

Dustin Balzer, a new employee in IGS’ enterprise analytics department, praised the experience, too. “It meant a lot to be able to share with my three girls where I work and for them to see all the great people I work with.”

Learn more about how IGS supports our people, here.