Implementing Family-Focused Practices
Supporting employees means understanding the realities they face outside of work. For many working families, access to reliable, affordable childcare is one of the biggest challenges. When employers take steps to address these needs, they are strengthening retention, productivity and overall workplace culture.
Family-focused practices are strategies employers can use to reduce the burden of childcare on employees. These practices do not require a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they offer flexible ways to meet the needs of your workforce while aligning with your company’s goals.
Why It Matters
Across Indiana, employers are finding that childcare is more than a family issue—it's a workforce issue. When employees have dependable childcare, businesses benefit through:
- Improved employee retention
- Reduced absenteeism
- Increased productivity
- Stronger recruitment efforts
- A more supportive workplace culture
Even small changes can make a meaningful difference for employees and your organization.
Strategies Employers Can Consider
There are several approaches employers can consider. Some organizations offer financial support through tools like Dependent Care Assistance Plans or tuition assistance to help offset the cost of care. Others take advantage of state-level opportunities, such as Indiana’s childcare tax credit program, to invest in solutions that benefit both their business and their employees.
Employers can also play a role in increasing access to care. This may include partnering with local childcare providers to reserve seats for employees or working with community partners to expand available options in their area. These strategies not only support individual employees but also contribute to stronger local childcare systems.
Coming Soon:
We're developing a comprehensive Employer Childcare resource that will provide additional guidance, practical examples and implementation ideas to help employers explore these and other family-focused practices.
Start by Understanding Employee Needs
The best approach will depend on your workforce, your capacity and your community. What matters most is taking the first step toward understanding the needs of your employees and identifying practical ways to respond.
Survey employee childcare needs to better understand the challenges your workforce is facing and identify opportunities to provide meaningful support.
Continue Exploring
As you navigate this section, you'll find information and resources to support your efforts in implementing family-focused practices that make a difference.
Additional employer childcare strategies and tools will be added as they become available.