from Senators Klobuchar and Duckworth that recognize the major economic implications of moms leaving the workforce. Only once they are informed can business leaders take action with their voices and their votes.Businesses can demonstrate their support for working parents by creating Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, within their companies. According to
, effective ERGs help employees feel more included and supported within the workplace. An ERG designed for and comprising working parents can help business leaders understand what these employees need and help create a culture of support.Get strategic When it comes to childcare, every little bit a company can offer can help working parents. Business leaders should commit time and resources to help retain their mom and dad employees. Those strategic plans will look a little different for each company and may include stipends, FSA benefits, and negotiated rates and/or company discounts. Organizations that put their money where their proverbial mouth is will go a long way in attracting and retaining parental talent.
The childcare cliff is coming, but childcare in the U.S. shouldn’t amount to a crisis. As working parents and employers of working parents, we need to come together to demand and create the care that keeps our families — and our economy — running.