Having onsite, easy-to-access childcare can be a huge job perk for working parents – and can be a selling point when companies are looking to hire new employees.
According to care provider Bright Horizons, research shows that offering employees high quality childcare options on site can eliminate a major distraction for working parents and lead to better focus, higher productivity and workplace loyalty. Companies across the nation and in multiple industries have been catching on to this mindset in recent years, including these three in Atlanta.
Home Depot Corporate Headquarters
The aptly named Little Apron Academy can care for up to 278 full-time children (infants through 5 years of age) and 48 school age children for summer camp school breaks. Nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches are provided each day. Special activities this summer include gymnastics, tap, ballet and soccer. Employees are able to visit their little ones during their own lunch breaks or at other times of the day.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
CHOA's slogan is "Strong enough to care enough," and they put that phrase to work by offering employees and their families childcare and other services. The Clifton Schools Childcare Center and New Generations Child Development Center care for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten. CHOA also has an online community for working mothers to share tips for success and programs to help meet the challenge of balancing career and family life. Plus, the hospital hosts bimonthly baby showers where expectant parents can receive gifts, prizes and information about childcare, Family Medical Leave Act and benefits.
Legal heavyweight Alston and Bird has onsite childcare but also offers some unique perks for pregnant women and families. Moms-to-be share clothes through a co-op maternity closet and even have reserved parking spaces close to the parking garage elevators during the last trimester of pregnancy. The firm has parent support groups and even dedicates an entire wall in the office to displaying the artwork of employees' children.
