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The average U.S. household spends $11,666 per year on daycare, according to the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. That is more than a lot of people pay for rent, and more than the average in-state tuition for a year in college. But we cannot put a price on our children's safety and well-being.
Companies that wish to hire and retain the best talent adopt policies that separate themselves from the competition while helping employees balance work and life. While a majority of U.S. children live in two-parent households that are better equipped to share in child care duties, approximately 30% of kids live in single-parent homes.
Several firms recognized this need and are now enjoying the benefits of a more loyal and committed workforce because of their genuine concern for family.
The Child Development program at the apparel giant's Beaverton, Oregon headquarters provides a creative learning environment for employees' kids aged infant to 5 years old. The space used for the program features multiple standing desks that act as stations for playing chess, drawing, and interactive gaming.
The Nike employees overseeing the program are child care specialists who studied psychology or early education in college. The kids often have the privilege of meeting professional athletes, and even hold a farmer's market several times a year.
When you read Glassdoor reviews from current and former employees of Goldman Sachs, there is a common theme. Many of them mention that the child care program is one of the top perks the company offers. New York and New Jersey employees receive 40 free days on on-site childcare per year as part of the company's infant transition program.
Branches of the firm in other states have similar programs except the company contracts with third-party, off-site caregivers.
The Employee Child Development program is just one of the many perks offered by Google, which is often spoken about as one fo the best companies to work for in the U.S. The program combines play and entertainment with educational tools that enrich employees' children aged 3 months to 5 years. The staff are professional educators who focus on cognitive and social development while meeting the emotional needs of the children.
One distinguishing feature of the Google child care program is that it also allows kids to bring their dogs with them to feel more at home.
If you ever wonder why you go to a Home Depot and see the same employees there year after years, its because of the many benefits. Home Depot workers get 10 days of high-quality childcare at a deep discount facilitated by the company. Parents can choose to have a professional caregiver come tp their home or send the children to a center.
The Back-up Dependent Care program incorporates the website Sittercity that helps math fam lies with caregivers who are thoroughly background checked. Home Depot pays any and all fees associated with the website. The company also offers care for pets and elderly family members.
The Minneapolis-based food giant is known for Cocoa Puffs and Lucky Charms to most American kids. Working Mother magazine ranked General Mills in the top five of its most family-friendly companies list mostly because of the childcare program. Employees enjoy both on-site daycare and backup care.
Lauren Pradhan, the company's senior marketing manager, wrote in 2015 that she not only got six months of maternity leave, but also support from Human Resources related to parenting. She was a new mother at the time and had difficulties being away from her son after the maternity leave ended.
Johnson & Johnson, Intel, and Patagonia are a few more companies that offer child care benefits.
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