Providing child care to workers, offering subsidies or other financial assistance, and advocating for increased public investment in early childhood programs support families for the long term.
If you are interested in providing child care opportunities for your employees, we can connect you to R&R agencies in your county.
Tax break for businesses: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-provided-childcare-credit
Policies and benefits for your consideration:
Paid leave: Offer paid parental leave for all parents, including fathers and adoptive parents
- Flexible work: Offer flexible hours, work from home, or compressed work weeks
Find out what it takes to set your employees up for success, then try to deliver just that. They may need a flexible work schedule, on-site child care, remote work a few days a week or a combination of it all.
Outcome-based work, not total hours worked (focus on productivity rather than hours, quality of work versus the quantity of hours put in)
Childcare: Provide access to affordable childcare, subsidies, or on-site facilities
Benefits: Offer stipends for new parents, fertility treatments, or adoptions
Other support: Help employees access tax credits, invest in college plans, assist with prepared meals and help manage unexpected expenses
Culture and environment
Breastfeeding: Provide paid breaks, lactation facilities, and a supportive environment
Employee resource groups: Support parenting ERGs that advocate for working parents
Management: Educate managers on the challenges of working parents and how to support them
Communication: Categorize communications to reduce work-life stress, especially after business hours, note if something is urgent
Encourage breaks
Other considerations
Discrimination: Ensure employees aren't discriminated against based on family responsibilities
Work-life balance: Build a culture that respects work-life balance
Surveys: Survey employees to understand their unique needs and preferences (create plans for each individual, rather than a one-size fits all approach