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Are they a viable child care option?
With child care shortages for the under twos high and with many companies actively looking for ways to keep hold of their talented female staff and avoid costly recruitment and training of new staff, not to mention to be seen to be providing a family friendly workplace, the question many parents ask is "Why can't we just have an office-based crèche?"
It would seem the obvious solution. Many large companies have a small army of parents with pre-school aged children and at least one or two large rooms (or entire floors in many cases) that are largely unused.
Office based crèches provide a safe environment for children. They also eliminate the need for separate drop offs and pick ups, which often add considerable time, petrol costs and stress to already financially and emotionally stretched parents.
From an emotional point of view they give parents, particularly new mums, peace of mind, knowing their babies are nearby and can be visited if necessary (although this is not usually recommended!).
Parents with children in nearby child care facilities are happier and more effective at work. And research has shown that parents who have access to workplace child care have lower rates of absenteeism and are more likely to stay with the company longer.
From a financial perspective they are usually cheaper than private child care and save on petrol and additional travel expenses.
So why is it then that company crèches remain the exception rather than the rule?
The fact is that it's not as simple and easy as it sounds and most companies have to have a very compelling economic reason to run onsite child care.
They also have to be located in an area where parents tend to drive to work. Who wants to be stuck on a train for ages with one or two babies or toddlers, their bags and a briefcase. Commuting in peak hour is stressful enough!
The most likely companies to have crèches or on site child care centres are those that are based in out of town retail parks or industrial parks.
The practicalities and financial implications for the employer are often the barrier to providing on site care. The liability insurance is huge. The risks of onsite accidents or other disasters are a definite deterrent for most companies and the cost of adapting a space is not insignificant.
And even once those barriers have been overcome, then the hiring and training of staff is lengthy and expensive and complying to all child care regulations means mountains of paperwork, not to mention all the other legal ramifications.
However, most companies that do provide a service tend to outsource its management to an experienced child care provider. This seems by far the most sensible solution and a growing number of companies who want to provide child care are also looking at linking with child care organisations that have existing sites in the required areas, local to the company's offices.
But even if the logistical issues can be overruled, the decision is likely to be more to do with economics than anything else.
In Australia companies such as Westpac, CBA, CSL, Lend Lease and more are leading the charge with on-site child care and seriously boosting their credentials as family-friendly employers.
For Dr Brian McNamee, CEO of CSL Limited, the centre represents a serious investment in the future of CSL.
"The decision to provide a work-based childcare service will assist us to attract and retain talented employees and to foster a positive and inclusive workplace," explains Dr McNamee.
At the end of the day to a new mum who needs reassurance her baby is well cared for and wants to eliminate as much stress from her life as possible, work-based child care is a lifeline, and a great reason to stay with an employer long term, not to mention the benefits derived by the company from increased return to work rates.
And that, in a nutshell, is a very compelling business case.
Read more on crèche care. |
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