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As schools come back into session across the country, some working parents may be breathing a sigh of relief after a busy summer, while others are gearing up for a season of juggling work, school schedules and extracurriculars. No matter the context, all working parents face challenges, says Jessica Harrah, chief people officer at daycare and early education provider KinderCare—and employer support can be critical.
For many working parents with young kids, an investment in childcare benefits could signal that organizations are paying attention. KinderCare research found that half of parents surveyed are looking for a role with better access to childcare benefits, while 57% cite unreliable childcare as having harmed their work performance. Meanwhile, more than three-quarters of those surveyed think employers should help offset childcare costs—which now can top $16,000 annually for just one child, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Organizations providing leading-edge support for working parents offer a range of childcare benefits—from subsidies to on-site care centers. Such efforts, Harrah says, can enable employees to bring their “whole selves” to work, which is a core focus for KinderCare’s own talent strategy. With a commitment to internal mobility, employee listening and robust wellbeing offerings, Harrah says,
