Family responsibilities don’t disappear once working parents leave their homes and head for work. Childcare, in particular, is a workplace concern that could affect an employer’s bottom line if employees are unable to find reliable care for their children. When employees feel torn between their work duties and their family obligations, productivity declines, and absentee and accident rates increase. The more time working parents spend worrying about daycare, the less time and energy they are likely to focus on their work.

Family-Friendly Options for Business Consideration

On-site daycare facilities are not a feasible solution for all employers. However, there are less expensive alternatives business owners could consider when grappling with the issue of childcare. These alternatives include the following:

• Provide employees with information and referrals to childcare resources in the local community. Gathering and updating information, and disseminating it to employees in a timely manner, could be your least expensive option.
• Offer flexible and part-time work schedules, especially during the school year. Part-time scheduling can provide access to reliable employees who are unable to work full-time.
• Offer assistance with childcare costs. This is more expensive than providing flextime, but it could be an option in a flexible benefit plan where employees choose from a menu of benefits.
• Provide a conveniently located daycare facility, perhaps arranged in conjunction with other employers in the area. Start-up costs could be borne by the employer, with employees paying only for services.

Family structure has changed tremendously in recent years. The need for reliable, affordable childcare cannot be ignored. The lost productivity and safety hazards resulting from employees who are unable to focus fully on their jobs could mean substantial costs for an employer. For most businesses, providing family-friendly options in the workplace may mean more efficiency and a better bottom line.