L-R; Cynthia Sanyaolu Head, Talent Management, Polaris Bank; Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Polaris Bank; Olanrewaju Oyekunle, Ag. Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Polaris Bank; Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank; Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Polaris Bank; Njideka Nwabueze, Head, Retail Banking, Polaris bank & Olamide Adeyeye, Leaning & Development Officer, Polaris Bank at the “Bring Your Child to Work” event in Lagos recently
Polaris Bank has hosted some children of its employees to a memorable day of fun, learning and workplace discovery as part of its commitment to strengthening employee engagement and creating meaningful experiences for staff and their families.
The “Bring Your Child to Work” programme, which welcomed children aged six years and above, provided the young participants with an opportunity to experience the workplace from a different perspective, see where their parents work, meet their colleagues, and gain a better understanding of what their parents do every day.
The children, selected through an internal trivia draw conducted for staff, participated in a range of engaging activities designed to promote learning, creativity, networking, interaction, teamwork, and curiosity.
A major highlight of the programme was a guided tour of the Bank’s premises. The children visited the banking hall and various departments, giving them a firsthand feel of the banking environment and an opportunity to see how different teams and functions contribute to the operations of the Bank. The experience also allowed them to interact with employees and learn more about the different roles within a financial institution.
Speaking at the event, Kayode Lawal, MD/CEO, Polaris Bank, welcomed the children and encouraged them to make the most of the experience.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe that work is more than meetings and desks. It is about solving problems, helping people, making life easier, learning, and making a meaningful contribution. So, while you are here today, be curious, ask questions, learn, and most importantly, have fun.”
The CEO was represented by Okanwaju Oyekunle, Head of HR, added that the programme was designed to help the children better understand their parents’ professional lives while inspiring them to think about the possibilities ahead of them.
“Who knows? Perhaps one day, some of you will become bankers, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, technology experts, or even leaders of great organisations.”
Another highlight of the programme was an interactive pep talk session facilitated by the bank’s Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, who introduced the children to the fundamentals of banking in a simple and engaging manner.
During the session, the children learnt how banks work, the importance of saving money, responsible financial habits, and the role banks play in helping individuals and businesses manage their finances. The interactive session encouraged the children to ask questions and share their understanding of what they had learnt.
The children were also encouraged to make new friends and connect with one another throughout the programme. At different points, they were asked to share who they had met or connected with and what they had learnt about the banking environment, making the experience both educational and interactive.
For the participating parents, the initiative provided an opportunity to share an important part of their daily lives with their children and help them understand the value of work, responsibility, collaboration, and service.
The initiative also reinforced the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, with the children encouraged to explore, ask questions, and appreciate the different career paths available to them.
The “Bring Your Child to Work” programme underscores Polaris Bank’s continued focus on employee wellbeing and engagement, recognising that employees’ professional and family lives are closely connected. By creating opportunities for employees to share their workplace experiences with their families, the Bank continues to foster an inclusive and people focused workplace culture where employees and their families feel valued and connected.
For the children, the day offered more than a visit to their parents’ workplace. It was an opportunity to learn, explore the world of banking, make new friends, ask questions, and see their parents in a different light as professionals contributing to the growth and success of an organisation.
