As we embark on the fourth year of a post-pandemic world, the era of hybrid work is undeniably here to stay. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the traditional workplace models, and what initially appeared as a temporary disruption has transformed into a new way of working. Most can recall the early days of the pandemic when everyone all worked from home, juggling job tasks and parenting duties. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. Although parents saved money on childcare and daily lunches at local restaurants, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

Working from home with the kids underfoot posed its challenges, pushing parents to their limits. Over time, maintaining a balance between work and family became increasingly challenging. The persistent struggle led many working parents to a crossroads: should they focus on their job or their kids? For those eager to reintroduce their children to childcare, they encountered another hurdle – the closure of many small childcare centers that couldn’t weather the storm of the pandemic.

For some parents, leaving the workforce seemed like the only option. However, for businesses, this translated into a significant loss of talent and resources. Employees who managed to stay in their jobs with kids in the background often found themselves distracted and less productive.

Fortunately, some companies recognized the need for work-life balance to attract and retain top talent. According to a March 2023 article in The Wall Street Journal, companies such as Marriott headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland and Tyson Foods, Inc. in Springdale, Arkansas are expanding or creating onsite daycare options.

Being part of this trend can be a smart move. The ability to offer teams a work-life balance with customized benefits significantly impacts recruitment and retention. When working parents decide to resign, businesses lose valuable assets: experienced managers and mentors with extensive knowledge and expertise. The loss is profound, and such expertise is more crucial now than ever.

This trend particularly affects working women. A report from Employee Benefit News (EBN) highlights the decreasing participation of women in the American workforce:

• In 2021, 71% of women (86% in leadership roles) planned to stay with their employer.
• In 2022, only 63% (68% in leadership roles) intended to remain with their employer.

Research conducted by McKinsey & Company indicates that 53% of working mothers with children aged 5 or under who left their jobs, reduced their working hours, or switched careers did so because of childcare issues.

The record number of women leaving the workforce presents a challenge for employers. Today, more than ever, businesses are realizing that offering childcare benefits elevates them to the status of preferred employers. Many are actively seeking high-quality childcare benefits, whether through onsite facilities or assistance with funding childcare costs.

In the past, organizations with a primarily centralized workforce often provided onsite childcare services to cater to employees working from the office five days a week. However, in the age of remote work and increased flexibility, employers are now exploring benefits that help subsidize childcare expenses near their employees’ homes.

For companies with a central workforce, such as those in healthcare, higher education, or manufacturing, looking to provide onsite or nearby childcare services, creating partnerships with community schools is becoming increasingly important.

How Lyons HR Can Help Your Business Thrive

In these challenging times, Lyons HR understands the importance of supporting your workforce’s needs. We offer human resources solutions that will exponentially enhance scaling your workforce to include a childcare division or subsidiary company that will enhance your business’s competitiveness and ensure your employees are happy and productive. Let’s work together to create a supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent while helping you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work and life in the modern world.