By Brittney Sherman — News, large business, programs, small business
During the pandemic one-third of women left the workforce due to childcare challenges, and many have not yet returned. Providing on-site daycare has become the newest company benefit in an effort to entice workers back to the office. The Biden administration’s recent announcement requiring CHIPS Act funding recipients to provide access to high-quality and affordable childcare, is sparking a similar conversation in the private sector. Between April 2021- September 2022, the number of employers providing daycare services doubled when compared to pre-pandemic years. Companies now offering on-site childcare services are seeing an uptick in attraction and retention of employees, but state regulations and a six percent decrease in childcare workers pose challenges for many employers trying to implement the benefit.