Childcare Plays A Huge Role In Parents’ Employment Decisions

When looking for a job, there are plenty of folks that have certain criteria they are looking for, and certain perks and benefits they want from a gig. But when it comes to parents, there’s one thing that basically becomes a deciding factor - childcare. 

A new Harris Poll finds:

• 78% of working parents say their child or children’s childcare needs play are a major influence in their current employment.
• It’s a very important factor in things like employment status, hours of availability and choice of employer.
• That’s particularly true for 67% of moms and 79% of dads.
• The most important thing parents are looking for in a job is flexibility.
• 68% of working parents are more likely to take a job if it offers flexible scheduling to accommodate their childcare needs.
• 62% would be more likely to accept a job if a company offered a childcare stipend.
• 62% would also be more likely to take a job if it had free onsite childcare. 

So, how do most working parents deal with childcare?

• Of the 83% who use childcare services, 41% use services of a familiar adult.
• 34% rely on after-school programs, with dads more likely than moms to do so (39% vs. 14%).
• Only about 15% of working parents rely on a nanny.

Regardless of the type of childcare they use, it is far from easy for most parents.

• 39% say they struggle to afford it.
• 71% say dealing with childcare decisions is overwhelming.
• 69% say trustworthy childcare is hard to find. 

Source:The Harris Poll