High Spirits in the Shanghai Office: Children’s Day at Bertelsmann China

“Children’s Day” is a big event for employees at Direct Group and Arvato in  Shanghai . As last year, our colleagues in  China brought their kids to the office with them to celebrate a big children’s party. Last Friday’s event was also attended by Markus Wilhelm, member of the Direct Group Executive Board, who was visiting the Chinese book club on business.

Who would have thought that office jobs could be so filled with exuberance and joie de vivre! Roughly thirty children between the ages of one and eight years romped around the premises midst hundreds of colorful balloons and were treated to an entertainment program that included a magician, as well as a number of games and group activities for employees and their kids. Depending on their age, kids were encouraged to “pick mushrooms” – i.e. identify their parents’ noses behind a curtain – or give parents their idea of a makeover. Of course the children also toured their parents’ workplaces during the day and learned where and how – and with whom – they spend their workdays.

Markus Wilhelm had his share of fun attempting – successfully – to match up children with the right employees. The smaller guests would have loved to continue the festivities on the following days as well. “It’s so much fun here, can’t we come back tomorrow?” was the plaintive appeal of six-year-old Frank, son of Jessica Ma (Human Resources). And Li Zhengzong (Administration) has a son who now wants to join Bertelsmann when he grows up – because “working” here is so cool.