A recent report highlights how employers are successfully bringing employees back to the office through family support schemes.
- According to the survey, 53% of working parents reported an increase in office hours when provided with support.
- 65% of parents say they now spend more than half of their time at a central workplace due to these initiatives.
- Employer-sponsored childcare has proven crucial, with 85% stating it aids their ability to work on-site.
- Notably, 90% of parents find returning to work post-birth or adoption easier with available childcare support.
A comprehensive survey conducted by Bright Horizons reveals significant findings on how employer-sponsored family support facilitates a return to office work. The results show that 53% of working parents have increased their in-office hours over the past year when provided with relevant support, such as sponsored nursery and back-up care.
An impressive 65% of participants have reported spending the majority of their workweek in a central workplace thanks to these employer initiatives. This marks a positive shift towards more consistent office presence among employees benefiting from supportive measures.
The provision of childcare support is pivotal, with 85% of parents indicating it helps them attend the workplace, and 80% acknowledging that it enhances their productivity. These statistics underscore the profound impact of childcare solutions on maintaining workforce efficiency.
Furthermore, a substantial 90% of parents express that returning to work after childbirth or adoption has been made easier due to employer-sponsored childcare, illustrating the necessity of these services for a smooth transition back into professional life.
When compared to a previous survey, the Modern Families Index, conducted with 3,000 UK parents without employer support, there is a notable 20 percentage point increase in the perceived supportiveness of those employers providing family care solutions.
Childcare remains a pressing issue, with affordability, accessibility, and reliability identified as key challenges. Simultaneously, data suggests that 42% of working parents are seeking new employment, prioritising enhanced family support opportunities.
Bright Horizons advises employers to broaden their care offerings to be inclusive, given that elder and pet care also represent significant responsibilities for employees. This inclusive approach differentiates progressive employers in the marketplace.
The report clearly demonstrates the substantial advantages of integrating family support into workplace policies, benefiting both employers and their staff.