On-Site Childcare: The Secret to Boosting Small Businesses and Parents’ Careers in the US

In recent years, small businesses in the United States have begun to recognize the burden of childcare costs on their employees and are taking steps to retain workers by providing on-site childcare facilities. The US has one of the most expensive childcare systems among developed nations globally, making it difficult for parents to find and afford quality care for their children.

Many parents in the US are struggling with the high costs of childcare, with some spending an average of $10,000 annually to send their kids to a childcare center or day care. Some families have even had to move across the country in search of more affordable options. The US ranks second-highest among developed nations in terms of soaring childcare costs, leading some parents to choose to stay home instead of working due to the financial burden.

To address the issue of turnover, which can be costly for small businesses, some companies are providing on-site childcare to make it easier for parents to balance work and family responsibilities. Employees like Zach Wiley, a 31-year-old in Virginia, are able to return to work and even afford a house nearby thanks to the on-site day care provided by their employer. For Wiley and many others, company-provided childcare is essential in allowing them to work and advance their careers while ensuring their children are well cared for.

Companies that offer benefits such as stipends, on-site childcare, or backup care have seen increased employee recruitment and retention, showing that the benefits of providing childcare outweigh the costs for both businesses and employees. For parents, access to company-provided childcare can increase their earning potential and career growth, making it easier for them to remain in the workforce without the financial burden of expensive childcare services.