Ryan FowlerNew research from Bright Horizons has revealed that employer investment in family and childcare support yields measurable business benefits, including stronger staff retention, enhanced wellbeing and improved productivity.
The workplace solutions provider surveyed nearly 2,000 employees with access to employer-backed work and family benefits such as back-up care (BUC), comparing the results to a broader survey of 3,000 UK workers conducted in January. The findings suggest a clear link between employer-provided support and stronger workforce outcomes.
When it comes to returning to the office, 95% of those with access to BUC said emergency childcare was essential in facilitating the move, while 83% cited the importance of emergency adult or eldercare.
More broadly, 68% of the general workforce agreed their employer was supportive of their family needs. However, this figure jumped to 90% among employees with access to BUC, and 85% of parents with workplace nursery provision said they were more likely to stay with their current employer as a result. Additionally, 83% of employees with BUC said they would recommend their employer.
The data also highlighted the mental health impact. While 80% of UK workers experiencing stress said it affected their focus at work, 90% of those with access to BUC reported that it helped to reduce stress. Moreover, 84% said it eased the mental load of managing family and work, while 88% of parents using virtual tutoring services through BUC reported an improvement in their own wellbeing.
From a business perspective, 89% of respondents with employer-backed BUC said it boosted their productivity, and 84% said it enabled them to work on days they otherwise would have missed due to family emergencies. By contrast, 64% of UK workers said they had experienced a childcare breakdown that disrupted their work, and 79% had dealt with an adult care breakdown.
Chris Locke, executive director of work and family at Bright Horizons, said: “Employers are under pressure, facing rising national insurance costs, new legislation and economic uncertainty. In this climate, cutting employee benefits might seem like a quick fix, but our research shows it is a false economy.
“Investing in family support is not just the right thing to do, it is smart business. It helps employers stay ahead and delivers real returns through better retention, stronger advocacy and improved wellbeing.
“Our findings also show that family support smooths the return to office life, boosting productivity, reducing absenteeism and driving better collaboration. Many employees want to be back in the workplace, and forward-thinking employers are making that possible.
“Firms that ignore work-life balance risk falling behind. Today’s workers, especially younger ones, are prioritising family life. In fact, 57% of 18 to 34-year-olds say it is now a top priority.”
