In the report, 'The Lasting Impact', a quarter of respondents said theywould be unable to work without their workplace nursery, and those whoused the childcare benefit missed 70 per cent fewer work days due tochildcare issues.
The study, by Consulting Practice at Bright Horizons Family Solutions,heard from more than 350 parents who use an employer-sponsored BrightHorizons nursery at 33 organisations in England, Wales and Ireland.
Nearly 90% of respondents to the study also claimed that access to theirworkplace nursery helped them integrate work and family life, as well asproviding them with accessible, affordable and quality childcare.
The report said 44% of families with children under the age of two haveboth parents at work.
A YouGov survey last year found that the number of working parents wasat a 15-year high. It also revealed that employees are more likely tostay with their employer if they have access to a workplace nursery andmany choose a job based on whether an employer provides childcare.
Stephen Kramer, Bright Horizons European managing director, said, 'Whathas perhaps come across most clearly in the report is the powerfulimpact a workplace nursery has on retention of staff.
'We feel that the report makes a strong case for employer-sponsoredchildcare. Having a workplace nursery means that parents can access careclose to where they work, at hours which suit their work patterns andquite often at a more affordable cost.'
Mr Kramer added, 'For employers, investing in childcare pays dividendsin terms of increased productivity, retention, and employeeengagement.'
- For more information visit www.brighthorizons.co.uk.
