In visiting local businesses, whether they be industries, shops or restaurants, I can't help but notice all of the "We're Hiring" signs. Some touting their starting wage, sign up bonus or whatever freebie they are throwing out as a carrot. Given that I haven't seen many of the signs removed, or a lot of new faces at the places I frequent the most, I will assume that the bonuses and freebies have been marginally successful.
So what are employers to do? I would first suggest businesses consider who they are trying to employ. I would dare say that, by in large, the target market group is young to middle aged adults (20 - 50 years old)...people that have or will likely have children. Then consider the following:
What types of things will attract them to come to work here?
What will keep them here long term and reduce turnover?
What can we provide that will make their life easier?
What can we provide that will help to provide them a feeling of safety and stability (for them or their family)?
What do potential employees want that they aren't getting elsewhere?
For many people in the aforementioned target market group, child care could be the very thing that moves them, whether they are currently unemployed, underemployed or looking for a new position, to a business' front door or HR department. A child care benefit could vary from a stipend to cover a portion or all of the cost to a business providing onsite day care. There are options that businesses can consider.
On average the cost of child care consumes, 12% of the median family's budget, which is 5% higher than what is considered affordable. Our area is a Child Care Desert, so child care options are limited. Both of these, in my opinion, are the main contributing factors to the downward trend in the percent of parents with children 0-12 that are in the workforce. Businesses could help to reverse this trend for the better and improve their workforce, but they will need to first identify if it is an issue for them.
It is possible. We're here to help.
My 3 cents worth.
Elizabeth
.
Comments