Child care centers based at workplaces are becoming more popular in the United States due to skyrocketing child care costs and staffing shortages. These centers are seen as convenient and affordable options for working parents, allowing them to have their children nearby while they work. Employers view these centers as a competitive advantage and a way to boost workplace morale, especially in the absence of government intervention and investment in affordable child care options. Businesses are stepping up to ensure that their employees have access to quality child care, with some even offering subsidies for families to use toward child care options within their own communities.
One example of workplace child care is The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where an on-site child care center for employees has been praised for its convenience and affordability. Employees like Frances Ortiz appreciate having her 3-year-old daughter nearby, gaining independence and language skills while she works. The Pittsburgh International Airport also recently added an on-site child care center, aiming to bring more diversity into the aviation workforce and make child care logistics easier for employees who work outside of downtown Pittsburgh. Many parents face challenges accessing child care due to high costs and long waitlists, leading them to rely on workplace options for support.
Experts caution against overreliance on businesses to fill the void in affordable child care, as this could prevent recognizing child care as a public good. Some businesses run their own child care centers, while others outsource operations and management. Employers provide a range of financial arrangements for child care, from on-site centers with discounted rates to subsidies for off-site care closer to employees’ homes. Companies like Walmart offer on-site child care at market rates or below regional levels for comparable care, while KinderCare partners with over 600 businesses to provide employee-sponsored child care options, offering lower costs than normal rates.
Investments in child care are seen as a reflection of company culture for some businesses, such as Patagonia, which operates three child care centers serving roughly 200 children. Employees pay average market rates for child care services, with subsidies available based on household income. Patagonia’s investment in child care has led to stronger employee retention, a positive work environment, and a greater sense of community. Employees like Alyssa Oldham have benefited from workplace child care, allowing them to rethink family planning decisions based on the support provided. Overall, workplace child care options are becoming increasingly important in supporting working parents and addressing the child care crisis in the United States.
