What are companies getting right about supporting employees with kids right now? 

That was the question posed by Ask a Manager’s Alison Green.

The query was in response to this, from an “Ask a Manager” reader:

“I work in HR at a manufacturing facility and our production workers are essential. We are trying to come up with creative ways to support them if they are struggling. I know that childcare is a problem, especially for women, but can’t find a lot of solutions.”

Alison threw it out to the readers: what are your employers getting right?

Employees rang in – and let’s just say their answers warmed our hearts. 

“My company is providing backup care through Bright Horizons – we used to get 20 visits per year, now it’s unlimited. Also included is ‘home care’ where you have a babysitter come to your home to supervise during distance learning.

“We use Bright Horizons too, and our company just hooked us up with their Nanny-placement service. The application fee is waived and they cover half of the placement fee, which is still something like $300.”

“We usually get 12 days a year but they gave us an extra 10 this year. You can use one of their backup care facilities or have in-home care. I have a small copay with mine but my husband gets 10 days through his job with no copay.”

“My company also contracts with Bright Horizons. They also provide elder care and have programs for college applications/tuition planning.”

“I’ve tried the centers (the one by my office was really excellent).”

“What works best for me is using the in home care while I work from home.”

“Everyone they’ve sent has been great. I’ve requested repeats of certain people that I’ve liked the best.”

“They just extended our benefit to I think 60 days of backup care if needed with the co-pay waved. This is for children or elder care.”

“My kid is actually home right now with a Bright Horizons backup care person. She’s great! And the process seemed fairly straight-forward.”

Since the earliest days of our company, Bright Horizons’ goal has always been to be on the side of working parents. In this unusual back-to-school year, we continue to look for new ways to do that. Needless to say, we’re thrilled to be included on the “right” list. 

Thanks for the nice words, everyone – so glad we could help. 

And to all our clients and their employees -- it’s our honor to be by your side.