Why “Bring Your Child to Work Day” is a Win-Win for City Employees and Our Community

At the City of Grain Valley, we know that the heart of our organization isn’t just our buildings or equipment… It’s our people. Our annual Bring Your Child to Work Day is a reminder that behind every dedicated city employee is a family that supports them… and sometimes, a curious kid eager to learn what mom, dad, or a loved one does to help keep our city running.

Strengthening Connections
Opening our doors to employees’ children has created an opportunity for families to see, first-hand, the impact of public service. Kids light up when they tour our facilities, sit in a patrol car, meet the mayor, or see their parents working through their day-to-day tasks. It’s a moment of pride for parents and an early lesson in civic engagement for the next generation.

Boosting Morale and Retention
City work can be demanding, and balancing family responsibilities is something nearly all employees juggle. By inviting kids into the workplace, we show that we see and support our employees’ roles outside of work, too. Events like these build community, strengthen team spirit, and remind us all that city employees are real people with real lives, and that family-friendly workplaces make for happier, more motivated teams.

Inspiring Future Leaders
Many of the kids who attend leave with a newfound curiosity about how a city works. From future engineers to future first responders, we’re planting seeds for tomorrow’s workforce. WE are showing young people that local government can be an exciting and meaningful career path.

A Small Investment, Big Rewards
Pulling off a successful Bring Your Child to Work Day doesn’t require huge resources. It’s about thoughtful planning, enthusiastic staff, and a willingness to open the doors. The payoff? Smiles, laughter, and stories that families take home, plus a workplace culture that values family and community.