Research from Work+Family Solutions provider, Bright Horizons, has found that childcare is playing an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining employees.
A parental study from Bright Horizons found that employer sponsored nursery provision is having a significant impact on employees’ relationship with their employer, with 76% saying it makes them more likely to stay, while 54% say they are more likely to recommend their employer.
The benefit is also helping employees think differently about their careers. 61% say employer-sponsored nursery provision has helped them pursue or accept a higher position, suggesting that access to reliable childcare can play a role in enabling parents to progress professionally, rather than simply helping them manage the day-to-day demands of working life.
For employers battling to attract and retain experienced talent, the findings highlight the potential childcare has as a powerful tool for keeping and progressing skilled employees.
The research found that 83% of employees rate employer sponsored nursery provision as one of the best, or among the best, benefits available to them, highlighting the value employees place on practical support that helps them balance work and family life.
These findings highlight the opportunity for employers to think beyond traditional workplace perks when creating benefits packages – for working parents in particular, access to reliable childcare can provide invaluable support at a time when balancing professional and family commitments can be challenging.
With 76% of parents saying employer-sponsored nursery provision makes them more likely to stay with their employer, the benefit could also offer businesses a valuable opportunity to strengthen retention while supporting parents to progress in their careers.
In our conversations with employers, we’re hearing more and more about the difference good childcare support can make to their people,” said Thomas Butcher, VP Strategic Growth & Key Accounts, Work+Family at Bright Horizons. “For working parents, having reliable childcare can give them the confidence to come back to work, take on a new opportunity or stay with an employer as their family changes. And from a business perspective, that can make a real difference when you’re trying to retain great people and ensure they can perform and grow in their role over the long-term.”
