Does day care at work work? Does this curb absenteeism. I need professional advice please.?

Question

My new bsiness will have 14 mothers of small children. I need facts that day care at work will curb their absenteeism.

Answer 1

oh wow. if i had daycare at work....well, i might still opt for a private sitter like i do now. just because i like that option better no matter where the daycare is. but, i think it's a nice feature, to offer that. really. even for dads. most families these days have both parents work. that being the case, there are going to be people that have both careers and children. it's just the norm. to offer this would be like saying, "i understand and accept the fact that some of you have kids." as far as curbing absenteeism...i guess that would depend on how much of absenteeism is based on having children. don't think that everyone that says "i can't find a sitter and can't come to work today" is being truthful. if people want a day off, they will take one and find an excuse.

Answer 2

Day care facilities has its pros and cons.

On the positive side, the employee knows where their children are and can "visit" for lunch and on breaks.

On the negative side, assuming that your employees have at least one, and at most two children, that means that there will be between 14 and 28 children.

How many "child care providers" will you need? 1-3-5? At what cost? Minimum wage? "Going rate"? Who pays, you as the employer, or your employees?

If you pay are you ready to assume the liability that goes with child care? Will you have employees sign a waiver of responsibility to protect you and the child care provider?

What happens to employee morale when Jane's son, Johnny, takes away Susan's daughter, Tammy's, toy causing her to cry? (Don't think she'll tell Susan about the incident?)

While day care may curb absenteeism, it may spark productivity issues. Consider all of your options - perhaps a stipend for day care would be more economical (and less stressful for you) in terms of space, morale and efficiency.

Answer 3

I used to work for a company that had on-site daycare. It was great for parents but as far as curbing absenteeism, don't think so. If a child is sick and has to go home, Mom or Dad will have to take off to take care of them. The daycare center will not take care of a sick (and contagious) child. You will inspire more loyalty, have happier workers, and probably get a better reputation for your company if you do provide this...but you won't cure absenteeism.