Childcare Assistance Not a Major Draw for Most Employees

Abstract

Employer-provided childcare accommodations by either in-house facilities or subsidies paid to third-party providers can be an expensive employee benefit and may not be considered the most desired accommodation an employer can offer. Changes in employee attitudes toward family and work balance may be a factor. Providing the benefit can cause related financial exposure and lead to resentment from employees who don’t need or want it. Alternative family accommodation of paid leave and flexible scheduling appear more popular. Employers should carefully survey employee attitudes toward the benefit, assess employee composition to determine need and consider alternative accommodations that may be a better fit.