A&F Co.’s Bring Your Kids to Work Day

Earlier this month, mini associates donned their temporary photo ID badges and took over the Global Home Office (GHO) in New Albany, Ohio. This wasn't A&F Co.'s first Bring Your Kids to Work Day, though it was the first one hosted at GHO in recent years.

"We felt it was important to give associates the opportunity to share their day-to-day with their children," said Bailey Lones of the Associate Engagement & Global Giving team. "And to showcase our commitment to supporting a healthy work life balance for associate parents."

Lones is no stranger to hosting big events for associates and partners. In addition to other family-friendly gatherings such as A&F Co.'s annual Family & Friends Holiday Party, her team is also behind GHO's more robust campus events, including The Challenge.

When asked about the most fun part of planning something like Kids Day, Lones responded, "Seeing all our ideas come to life! Receiving the stickers, lanyards, hula hoops, and mini moose plush animals-it really builds the excitement."

The most challenging part? "Trying to think of all the small things that would possibly throw a wrench into the experience, and how best to avoid those to ensure the event runs smoothly."

Safe to say, Kids Day did indeed run smoothly. The event began with children getting their photos taken for their ID badges and picking up a GHO map. Activities were spread out around campus and included an obstacle course, moose scavenger hunt, photo shoot and more.

Kids were also invited to an on-camera Q&A that was later turned into a video for @LifeatANF on Instagram.

Associate Ryan Jones (DTC/Omni Ops) brought three little ones to campus and said that each had their own favorite activity. "My oldest daughter is artistic, so she loved the tote bag design. My middle daughter is obsessed with dresses, so the fit model station was her favorite. My son, the youngest, loved the snow cones!"

While this day was designed with kids in mind, the experience was also meaningful for the parents. Associate Erika TeetsJohnson (Human Resources) loved seeing the magic of campus through her son's eyes. "Things that we walk by everyday were a source of adventure," she said.

As the organizer of the event, Lones has received similar feedback, telling us that associates have dubbed the day a bonding experience for them and their child.

Jones agreed. "It's always fun to have family experience our beautiful campus and show them how fun it is to work at A&F Co." He added, "It gives a sense of pride in where we work. And it creates cool memories for the kids!"

TeetsJohnson said events like Kids Day are important for the associate experience. "[It] fosters a sense of community and belonging in the workplace. It helps us relate to one another in a different way."

To see some of the amazing mini associates who participated in our Q&A video, head on over to @LifeatANF on Instagram.

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