How to solve a child care problem – Carswellfamilyfoundation

A familiar situation: an employee suddenly finds himself without childcare and is forced to urgently take a day off. Indeed, more than two thirds (67 percent) of employees have missed at least one day in the past 12 months, and almost half (49 percent) report using annual leave to cover childcare disruptions.

It’s clear that this is a widespread problem with serious implications for productivity, team morale and more, so it’s vital that employers consider how they can help working parents stay in the workforce.

Backup care

One solution to this common dilemma is an employer-sponsored Backup care program. Your employees can enroll their children in a high-quality daycare center or even hire a last-minute nanny in case of last-minute changes in care arrangements.

For employees, the ability to continue working knowing that their child is being well cared for in one of the many facilities available across the country, or with a reliable, fully vetted and qualified nanny, is a game changer.

For employers, it minimizes disruption, increases productivity and saves money by reducing unplanned absences and improving staff retention – 76 percent of Back-Up Care users say the service makes them more likely to stay with their employer. Moreover, by demonstrating a commitment to supporting working parents, employers will differentiate themselves from competitors and enable employees to advance their careers.

Similar support options are also available to employees caring for elderly parents or relatives and even pets. No matter who the dependent is, Back-Up Care has been proven to have a positive impact on all caregivers. And for parents of older children, this includes school holiday clubs and access to virtual tutoring.

Data-driven decision

Every year, Bright Horizons conducts a survey of its clients’ employees. Three quarters (74%) of those who have access to the backup care program say it has allowed them to work on a day they otherwise would not have been able to. Having back-up care means that disruptions to care are “less likely to affect my ability to work”, according to almost 9 in 10 (87%) service users.

In addition, 92 percent of employees who used additional care said their employers were very supportive of families.

Bright Horizons data also shows that it helps companies save more than 170,000 workdays per year and provides a threefold return on investment.

Taking advantage of the opportunity

For more than 30 years, Bright Horizons has partnered with leading employers around the world to create new solutions for work, family, life and education.

There is now a renewed focus on productivity, with research from Bright Horizons revealing a decline in perceived family support among some UK employers.

However, the reputation of employers who partner with Bright Horizons remains high, and their employees express gratitude for family support: 80 percent of Back-Up Care users say it improves their productivity.

The Real Impact of Back-Up Care

Here’s how Bright Horizons’ Back-Up Care program has helped its clients’ employees cope with their work responsibilities:

“If extra care was not provided, I would have to reduce my working hours to look after my children during the school holidays.”

“I was able to go to work and not have to take unpaid maternity leave to look after my child.”

“My wife and I both have professional careers and rely on our parents to provide an element of childcare. But, of course, they may not be available in the shortest possible time. Without Back-Up Care, this would mean that one or both of us would have to take time off work at short notice to care for our children. It’s priceless.”

“Elderly care is difficult to organize, so this is good support that is relatively painless to implement. I care for an older person with dementia and this service has helped me gain the confidence to do more work in the office.”

Find out more about backup care

If you are an employer interested in exploring Back-Up Care, check out the latest news from Bright Horizons. Backup Care + Educational Guide. To discuss the range of services we offer, call us on 0345 241 5309 or email [email protected]. Learn more by visiting the Bright Horizons Work + Family Solutions website at: Bright Horizons Solutions.