Becky Martins, an EMC Marketing Leadership Development Program Associate wrote a terrific write-up about the day and she has given permission for it to be reprinted here for you to enjoy. Thanks, Becky!
EMC Children’s Day welcomed employees’ families with a smile. Described by attendees as being like a giant family reunion, the event brought nearly 350 guests into the EMC Hopkinton headquarters courtyard in mid-August, including EMC parents, spouses, 70 employee volunteers, and nearly 200 children.
“Our first Hopkinton Children’s Day brought a ‘fresh-air twist’ to the traditional ‘take your child to work’ day,” says Daisy Alba, Sr. Manager of Global Cash Management. “It was wonderful to see the kids having fun and enjoying themselves at their parents’ workplace. Since many of us spend a lot of hours at work, it was great to share our professional lives with the little ones.”
Daisy initiated and co-led planning for Children’s Day with Natalie Corridan-Gregg, Team Lead for Symmetrix Management Strategy, after witnessing similar successful programs at RSA and other EMC divisions. Daisy adds, “With this event, EMC really demonstrated the importance it places on its employees and a balanced work/family environment.”
“EMC Children’s Day was successful because a great number of busy EMCers got together and made something amazing happen in their spare time,” Natalie says. “EMC is such a great place to work because people always find time to do what’s right.”
Activities
EMC Children’s Day boasted a wealth of activities divided by age group, including outdoor games, arts and crafts, hands-on educational programs, face painting, bouncy houses, a live DJ, Clarity the Clown, and an ice cream social. EMC Celerra Man, Mr. Incredible, and the Boston Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster even made cameo appearances. Looking down into the courtyard, 176 South Street employees couldn’t miss the happy faces of EMC parents, children, and employees alike.
“When we choose to invest in those most important to us, everyone wins,” says VP of Employment Brand and Strategy Engagement Polly Pearson, who not only helped execute the event, but also enjoyed EMC Children’s Day with her own family. Walking to the car that afternoon, her own generally cool and collected 4-year-old son couldn’t help but admit, ‘Mom, THAT was fun!’”
Frank Hauck, EVP of the EMC Storage Division, Global Marketing and Customer Quality, joined the 2009 Marketing Leadership Development Program team to try to bring EMC’s business to life for the children. He was pleased with the outcome and level of employee dedication. He says, “Children’s Day was one of those ‘feel-good moments’ that make EMC a really special place to work.”
