Employers are increasingly incentivizing office returns by integrating family support services into their benefits packages.
- A recent survey highlights that 53% of working parents experienced increased office hours due to enhanced family support.
- Majority of employees now work over half their time in central workplaces, emphasizing the trend toward office presence.
- Employer-sponsored childcare is a key factor, with 85% affirming it facilitates attending physical workplaces.
- Family support has become a crucial incentive, with significant gender parity in childcare management.
Employers are strategically focusing on integrating family support services to bring employees back to the office, according to a recent report by a workplace solutions provider. The survey conducted among over 1,800 working parents with access to family support solutions, such as nursery sponsorship and back-up care, revealed that a substantial 53% of participants have increased their hours spent working in office settings.
A noteworthy 65% of the surveyed parents now spend more than half of their working hours in a central workplace, indicating a strong shift back towards traditional office environments. This trend underscores the importance of family support as a significant motivator for this move.
The provision of employer-sponsored childcare emerges as a pivotal factor in this trend, with 85% of respondents acknowledging that it aids in their ability to physically attend workplaces. Furthermore, four out of five employees reported that such family care provisions enhance their productivity levels.
The report delves deeper into the effectiveness of employer-sponsored childcare, noting that 90% of parents found it easier to return to work post-childbirth or adoption due to these supports. It also highlights gender disparities, with 74% of men and 78% of women increasing their childcare usage as a direct result of working more in offices.
When compared to the wider working parent population, those with accessible family supports rate their employers 20 percentage points higher in terms of being family-friendly. The data from the 2024 Modern Families Index sheds light on the broader context, where 42% of UK working parents are contemplating new employment that offers better family support, reflecting ongoing concerns over the affordability, accessibility, and reliability of childcare.
Additionally, Bright Horizons advocates for inclusive care provision, recognizing that elder care responsibilities and pet care are becoming increasingly relevant factors. Jennifer Liston-Smith, Head of Thought Leadership, emphasizes that as businesses pivot towards productivity and in-person collaboration, those prioritizing family care are distinguishing themselves in the realms of employee experience and productivity.
The report establishes a clear business case for inclusive family support, where employers partnering with family support providers are viewed more favorably by their workforce. This approach not only elevates employee wellbeing and engagement but also optimizes retention rates. The changing world necessitates that employers adapt to evolving employee needs to attract and retain skilled talent.
In conclusion, integrating family support in workplace policies significantly enhances office attendance and overall employee satisfaction.
