by admin | Aug 12, 2024 | Hot Topics, Human Resources
The lack of affordable and available child care in the United States continues to take its toll on workers and employers alike. It not only affects working parents with child care needs, consider the effect on coworkers who have to pick up the slack of absent team members or the staffing shortages organizations experience, especially small businesses, when parents take leaves of absence or quit their jobs because of child care complications.
The Business Case for Providing Support
Employers lose an estimated $23 billion a year because of child care-related complications, resulting in a $122 billion hit to the U.S. economy (lost wages, productivity, and tax revenue), according to a recent study from ReadyNation.
KinderCare, one of the country’s largest day-care operators, is constantly fielding questions from employers asking for help in solving child-care needs—needs they didn’t realize they were a part of before COVID.
In an environment with a tight job market—more job openings than people looking for work—the child-care industry is hit particularly hard. There is a need for more people to work in child care and a need for a career pipeline. But it’s hard to attract workers into a profession that requires credentialing and where the pay is so low. The child-care workforce was one of the slowest to recover from the pandemic, and it was predicted it would lose another 232,000 jobs once the federal pandemic child-care subsidy program ended.
How Employers are Responding
Conflict can often prompt creativity. The same can be said of crisis. Employers are responding in some very unique ways, from the conversion of office space to building new, on-site centers.
Micron Technology opened a center across the street from its HQ in Boise, Idaho and one near a manufacturing plant in central New York. It also invested money to train care providers and early-childhood teachers to address the talent shortage.
The Washington Post reports that Tyson Foods built a center in Humboldt, Tennessee to accommodate its shift workers; Hormel is building a $5 million child-care facility in Austin, Minnesota; and medical services company VGM Group is converting 8,000 square feet of office space into a day-care center in Waterloo, Iowa. While costly, employers are finding that on-site child care can attract and retain employees.
Pittsburgh International Airport opened a child-care center with plans to expand it to round-the-clock care to accommodate night-shift workers. They also added public bus routes to make transportation to work easier.
A charter school in Wisconsin—to avoid losing staff in a tight labor market—converted space into an infant-care center and are providing a 25% subsidy to the parents.
Another creative option is offering tuition subsidies to parents that can be used anywhere or in any manner to meet their needs, such as summer camps or after-school programs. Since child care needs vary over time, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Organizations such as Bright Horizons and KinderCare report a large uptick in employers inquiring about on-site child care along with information on backup options for emergency care.
As employers are realizing they need to be part of the solution to this crisis, can they expect to see a return on these hefty investments? According to an analysis of five companies that offer child care benefits, the positive financial impact can include an ROI of up to 425%. The benefits included monthly stipends of $1,000, near-site centers, and emergency on-site daycare. The companies have seen reduced absences and better retention, not to mention increased morale:
“It’s not just the money, it’s the principle. It feels like a ‘thank you.’ It’s an incredible morale booster. Even if another company offered me more money tomorrow, I wouldn’t even consider it, given how much this company has invested in my personal life.”
Government Programs and Public Policymakers
As mentioned in the previous article, most child-care businesses operated with less than a 1% profit before the pandemic. Other countries address that instability by subsidizing parents’ costs, an investment that allows child-care providers to charge adequate rates. However, the United States spends less than almost every other rich country on child care and early education.
During the pandemic the federal government sent out $24 billion in aid packages to the industry, which helped head off 75,000 child-care center closures. However, the Child Care Stabilization Grant expired on September 30, 2023. The Century Foundation’s Child Care Cliff Survey anticipated the impact the expiration of funds will have, including a loss in tax and business revenue of $10.6 billion.
Long-term solutions are needed. In its 2023 Kids Count Data Book, The Annie E. Casey Foundation offers suggestions: federal, state, and local government investment in child care including reauthorizing and strengthening the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act; collaboration among public and private leaders to improve the infrastructure for home-based child care; expanding the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School program which serves student parents.
Private industry is beginning to see a return on its investment in child care benefits. Imagine the results—and the effect on society—if policymakers along with industry leaders take the leap to implement programs and build a system to make child care more affordable, available, and accessible.
Beyond it being an economic issue, a social issue, and a workforce issue, “…it’s a humanity issue,” writes Petula Dvorak, Washington Post Columnist.
by admin | May 27, 2024 | Health & Wellness, Hot Topics
Mental health isn’t just the absence of illness. It’s a continuum ranging from severe symptoms such as panic attacks and major depression to excellent mental strength and well-being.
Sometimes you’re not ill, but you aren’t well either – and you need help. If you’re feeling down about work or a problem in your life and need to talk to somebody, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a great solution.
What is an EAP?
EAPs are mental health services available at work, and they can be beneficial in helping you work through problems. An EAP provides voluntary, confidential services that help you manage personal difficulties and life challenges under the guidance of a professional counselor.
An EAP can provide counseling, support groups, and other resources to help you cope. An EAP is usually offered 24/7, so you can always access it when you need it most. These programs are usually an employee benefit offered by your employer at little or no cost to you.
Employee Assistance Programs aren’t just for crisis situations. They can also provide advice and practical support for:
The Bottom Line
EAPS offer free benefits like short-term therapy, stress management, financial counseling, and relationship support, among other services. Even though they’re short-term, EAP benefits can help you to address issues that have been building up. The end goal of an EAP is to improve your well-being, using a plan that works for your unique circumstances.
by admin | Mar 5, 2024 | Hot Topics, Human Resources
A better work/life balance is at the top of the list for many employees. However, with the absence of nationwide paid leave regulations for American workers, employers typically determine the extent of paid time off for their employees. In an increased effort to remain competitive and improve employee attraction and retention, a new survey found that a majority (84%) of U.S. employers plan to add to their leave programs within the next two years to enhance their employees’ experience.
Due to changes in how and where people work in recent years, employers are contemplating updating their paid time off (PTO) and leave programs to meet the needs of their employees.
Specifically, these are the areas that are being revamped:
Caregiver Leave – Paid caregiving leave is time off with partial wage replacement to care for a family member with a serious illness. It is different than parental leave (leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child) and from medical leave (leave to care for one’s own serious illness.
Many companies are realizing that with the aging of the baby-boom generation, millions of working families are part of a growing “sandwich generation” as they juggle to care for young children as well as aging parents. Paid caregiver leave is gaining popularity; 25% of companies have a policy in place and another 22% are planning to offer it in the next two years.
Bereavement Leave – Bereavement leave is offered by some employers to provide time off to an employee following the loss of a loved one.
Many companies are realizing that since grief can have an impact on employees well- being, both physically and emotionally. Complications from unresolved grief may include anger, fatigue and depression and can plague employees for months or even years. Offering paid leave to employees dealing with grief isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart move for companies. Employees that feel valued and cared for at work are more likely to stick around, reducing turnover costs.
Parental Leave – The purpose of paid parental leave is to enable the employee to care for and bond with a newborn, newly adopted or newly placed child. In fact, one-fifth of companies that offer parental leave plan on increasing the length of their programs in the next few years.
General Paid Time Off – PTO is a benefit where an employee has access to paid time off that may be used for personal reasons, vacation, or sickness. 23% of employers plan on increasing the number of days off provided.
Your workplace may be a “good” place to work but the truth is, your key employees might just be one LinkedIn message away from being recruited to another company. Having competitive leave policies in place to create the best employee experience is critical.
Retention and turnover affect everyone in the company, not to mention the company’s bottom line. After all, employee turnover is very costly. It never hurts to review your leave policies to ensure you are doing what you can to remain competitive while keeping your team happy and healthy.
by admin | Feb 6, 2024 | Hot Topics
Critical illness insurance is known by many names: heart attack insurance, catastrophic illness insurance and sick insurance are just a few. No matter what it’s called, it’s designed to guard against the financial costs of a serious disease or condition.
As the average life expectancy in the United States continues to increase, insurance brokers are finding ways to make sure Americans can afford the privilege of getting older. Critical illness insurance was developed in 1996, as people realized that surviving a heart attack or stroke could leave a patient with a mountain of medical bills.
Before you learn what critical illness insurance is, you should understand what it is not: medical insurance. This coverage is not meant to stand alone; it’s meant to be supplementary to other forms of coverage.
Critical illness insurance is simple – it provides a lump sum payment when you have a verified diagnosis of a covered illness. Critical illness insurance is offered as a voluntary benefit by some employers to supplement your regular medical coverage. You can use the critical illness benefit to pay for treatment, recovery or transportation costs associated with your illness, but unlike your existing health insurance, you’re not limited to medical costs. You can also use the money from a critical illness insurance policy to pay for a babysitter while you recover, utility bills, or however you see fit.
Common Critical Illnesses Covered
1. Cancer
2. Heart Attack
3. Stroke
4. Kidney Failure
5. Major Organ Transplant
Additional Illness and Conditions
Many policies also cover additional illnesses and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and severe burns.
Key Facts to Understand About Critical Illness Insurance:
- Critical illness insurance takes care of expenses that health insurance doesn’t normally cover and helps you meet your out-of-pocket costs
- Critical illness insurance only pays for certain conditions – you still need to rely on traditional health coverage for other illnesses
- You’ll receive just one large payment upon diagnosis, which may need to last for several years
- No networks, deductibles or co-payment
- Critical illness insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Premiums become more expensive the older you are
- No restrictions on how you can use the funds, allowing you to choose what’s best for you
While it may not cover every disease, a critical illness insurance policy safeguards against many common and financially disruptive conditions. This coverage shields you from the impact of serious illnesses and unforeseen medical procedures by providing financial support for various needs—making up for lost wages, funding additional time off work, covering medical expenses, and even supporting travel for treatment. This support allows you to focus on the most important during this challenging time – getting better.
by admin | Jan 15, 2024 | Hot Topics
As we begin to settle into 2024, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. The start of a New Year signals a time for change, reflection and a sense of ‘starting afresh’. This year, you can seize the new year’s spirit of renewal and make mental health your top priority!
A healthy mind will increase your self-esteem, attract positivity, and help you break those persistent bad habits. Don’t make the mistake of only writing ‘improve mental health’ on your New Year’s resolution list. To ensure success, you need to have a plan.
6 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health
Make a clear plan
Rather than attempting to overhaul several areas of your life, focus on one area at a time to maximize your chances of success. Checklists and timelines can help you track everything.
Set achievable health goals by making small, practical changes, like swapping out a meal or ingredient for a healthier option, rather than trying to quit all unhealthy foods at once.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is often the first thing to go. Poor sleep, especially over a period of a few weeks, leads to poor functioning: it impacts your immune system, ability to concentrate and your mood – all things that make you even more stressed out. It’s a vicious circle.
Prioritize “Me Time”
Taking some much needed “me time” isn’t selfish; taking care of yourself is one of the best mental wellness gifts you can receive. Do some yoga, take a walk, relax in the bathtub, or simply take some time to catch up on some reading. Your mental health will thank you for it.
Get Some Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to destress. Focus on simply moving your body. Take the stairs or park your car further away from your destination to get some more steps in!
Enjoy Time with Friends and Family
Nurturing relationships with friends and family is crucial for a fulfilling life. Research shows that interacting with people we’re close to boosts our mood and makes us feel more connected. A strong support systems transforms challenges into manageable tasks and reassures you that you’re not alone.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Write down at least five things you’re grateful for and then reflect on why those things are important to you. It might be difficult at first, but the more you do it the easier it will become. You’ll find yourself feeling happier and more optimistic about life.
In a recent Forbes health survey, 50% of the respondents between the ages of 18 and 25 and 49% of those between 26 and 41 cited mental health as a top priority. Among respondents overall, 45% said improving their mental health was one of their top priorities.
Mental health is centered around the social and psychological aspects of our lives. Human beings are filled with complex thoughts and emotions — we are not preprogrammed to simply perform daily tasks. Our ability to think, feel, and navigate various experiences is tied to our mental state.
Good mental health gives us the resilience to process life’s challenges and helps us make wise decisions about the future. As you step into the new year, it’s essential to give your mental health the attention it deserves to ensure a balanced approach to your well-being.
by admin | Oct 4, 2023 | Hot Topics, Human Resources
Pushback on Remote Work
Nowadays, many employers are insisting that workers return to the office in full force. Last week, HR Exchange Network reported on Goldman Sachs enforcing a five-day RTO rule. The Street recently reported on how Dimon longs for the same at JPMorgan Chase. This is not new news. Some have suggested the big banks are concerned about compliance with However, The Street speculates that Dimon is most interested in strict RTO as a result of the organization’s real estate investments.
Walmart Lowers the Minimum Wage
Apparently, Walmart is paying some new hires less than it was paying others three months ago, according to the Wall Street Journal. The writer suggests that this is a sign that companies are trying to cut labor costs after significant wage increases during the Great Resignation. Most new hires will now earn the lowest possible hourly wage for their store.
“The wage-structure change comes after Walmart and other large employers have for years steadily raised wages and added benefits to attract workers in a tight labor market. The retailer’s latest move suggests that the stresses companies are facing in trying to find employees are easing and that they need to find ways to offset those wage increases,” according to WSJ.
UAW May Strike
The summer of strikes might just turn into the fall of strikes. The United Auto Workers (UAW) told General Motors that their proposal was insulting, according to CNBC. The contract for GM’s 46,000 UAW-represented workers included a 10% increase in wages. But the union rejected it and within days the UAW may go on strike.
“Despite the proposed wage increase being the largest under a UAW contract since 1999, it still falls far short of the union’s demands of a 40% hourly pay increase, a reduced 32-hour workweek, a shift back to traditional pensions, elimination of compensation tiers, and restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, among other items on the table,” according to CNBC.
Millennials Are the Hybrid Workers
LinkedIn is sharing data points from its latest Workforce Confidence survey, and it showed a difference in the way generations are experiencing work at the moment. About 20% of Millennials, compared to 17% of Gen X and 15% of Baby Boomers, are hybrid workers.
Cybersecurity Sees Layoffs
Cybersecurity was once considered a safe role to have because of the great necessity to protect data and technology from breaches. However, in the last month, nine cybersecurity companies have laid off employees, according to Axios. IronNet, Malwarebytes, Fortinet, NCC Group, Rapid7, Dragos, HackerOne, and Bishop Fox are among those that cut jobs. The publication reported that the companies have cut between 10% and 20% of their workforce, which amounts to hundreds of layoffs.
By Francesca Di Meglio
Originally posted on HR Exchange Network
