Firm celebrate family-based work environment

However, as many take part in Son and Daughter Day, which is today, for one firm it is a regular occurrence.

Blinds and shutter company Thomas Sanderson has a number of father and daughter duos among its 285 staff based at its headquarters in Waterlooville, and they say working alongside their loved ones makes the day even better.

Natalie Thomas, the firm’s marketing director, has been working for the company for 17 years and says she was pleased when her dad, John Lashley, got a job in the despatch and packing department seven years ago.

She said: ‘It’s nice knowing my dad is just down the corridor every day.

‘Having him here has actually brought me closer to other members of the team. Popping down to see him, I’ve got to know people he works with who I perhaps wouldn’t have crossed paths with before. It’s really helped me to get a better understanding of how they work.’

Also flying the flag for fathers and daughters are0 Danielle Sattari and her father, Steve Swain. Danielle, 23, has worked for the company since leaving school, after her dad recommended it as a great place to work.

Steve, a blind technician, said: ‘You want your children to be happy and I knew Danielle would be here, which is why I suggested she applied for a job. There’s a real family culture and it’s good to see her at work.’

Danielle, who works as a customer service advisor, added: ‘It was really useful having dad about when I first started.

‘If I had any questions I could go to him, and given that it was my first job, it was comforting to already know some of the people here.’