Each year, Bright Horizons conducts “voice of the customer” surveys to understand how family care solutions such as back-up care are viewed among users. Invariably, back-up care ranks as a top benefit for both employees and their employers, reducing employee stress and absenteeism while dramatically enhancing productivity and overall well-being. 

But don’t take our word for it.

We asked five back-up care users to share how the benefit has helped solve a wide array of caregiving challenges and given them the peace of mind they need to thrive at work and at home: 

• Smoothed employee relocation 

“Back-up care has been my saving grace. This year I moved to a different state and did not have a preschool for my daughter. It was very difficult to find one with availability in this new location, and on top of that I was incredibly busy having just moved. Being able to have in-house caretakers was a huge blessing and incredibly easy and convenient to utilize. Without it I would not have been able to commit to full days and most likely would have exhausted the majority of my paid time off.”  

– Victoria, global communications technology company 

• Assured worker with elder care needs didn't miss work 

“My 80-year-old mother-in-law had a full knee replacement which was done in outpatient services. Her mobility was compromised for the first two weeks after surgery. I would have had to take time off to help her get her meals and access the restroom without the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care. Thank you for this benefit.”  

– Angela, insurance and financial services company

• Facilitated hybrid / return-to-work transition

“As I work remotely, I don't have child care established for a daily need. Since we started meeting at the office once every month, the back-up care has helped me take on the travel to office without worrying about my kids.” 

 – Anushree, financial services company 

• Provided job stickiness

“As a woman in the workforce, having back-up care is a must. I don’t have family near me to support me with care for my child so if it weren’t for this benefit I would have probably considered changing jobs or leaving the workforce altogether.”  

– Nadia, Ivy League university 

• Quality of care reduced employee stress 

“I have used the back-up care for both child care and for care of an elderly parent recuperating from a medical procedure. This service has been incredibly helpful and allowed me to work stress-free, knowing that my loved one is being cared for well. With respect to the child care, I appreciate that there is an active curriculum and that my child is continuing to learn and develop even on days when his regular pre-school is closed.  It is the quality of this care that is most impressive.”  

– Patrice, global law firm 

A majority of workers today face caregiving responsibilities – many “sandwiched” between caring for children and older adults – which can undermine work productivity. In years past, employees were largely afraid to voice their concerns about balancing personal and professional responsibilities with their employers.  

However, this is the age of employee empowerment. As the most recent Modern Family Index report indicates, working caregivers are more willing than ever to speak up about their family care needs in the workplace. Leading organizations have responded in kind, investing in solutions such as back-up care to help keep employees happy, engaged, and productive. And if the testimonials listed above are any indication, the investment is paying off, for employee and employer alike.