Babies in the Workplace

Several companies offer "baby-free zones" in which coworkers can request to be in an area away from babies. This provision tends to be used very rarely, but is useful in situations in which a person is uncomfortable around babies or if a person is trying to have their own child but has been unsuccessful and, as a result, the presence of babies is emotionally painful to them. Under this provision, companies will either temporarily move the parent or the coworker to a different work space, whichever option is agreeable for all affected parties.

It is very useful for companies to have parents designate "alternate care providers" prior to a baby starting to come to work. These alternate providers are coworkers who offer to be available to care for a baby in the event that a parent is unable to stay with the baby for a brief period of time (such as while visiting the restroom) or if the parent needs to attend a client meeting or other event at which the baby might not be appropriate. (However, parents should never leave the company premises without taking their baby with them.) Companies generally set a limit on the total amount of time a designated care provider can spend watching a baby in the course of a given day.