State employees welcome to bring babies to work

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/07/12/news/local/159965.txt

Jul 12, 2008 - 04:06:20 CDT
By SARA KINCAID
Bismarck Tribune

No one in the offices at the North Dakota Department of Health minds a few crybabies.

They also don't mind the naps, snack breaks and regular walks on the the clock that this small group of people take during business hours.

"My biggest concern is crying," said Karalee Harper, director for tobacco prevention control. "I thought it would bother others, but a baby's cry is like a breath of fresh air."

Even so, she's quick to calm her 3-month-old son, Travis, as he sits on the corner of her desk and starts fussing. He's camera shy. A few minutes later, he was sound asleep. Parents are able to quickly respond to their children's needs, so fussing and crying is usually quickly handled.

The babies are short-timers, and within six months, they'll be gone. The workers will celebrate when they leave for daycare. New parents at many state offices can take their children who are under 6 months old to work.

"They love seeing them,"human resource director Kerry Olson said. "It brings a smile to their faces."

Sometimes there will be two or three babies followed by a few months without any babies, he said. The program allows parents who might not have a lot of extra leave time saved up to continue working while still spending time with their new child, he said.


FULL story and photo at link.