It’s not just work-life balance that we struggle with these days, it’s also to find affordable and low-cost childcare during this COVID-19 pandemic. The whole world has faced a crisis nobody ever anticipated. It is so much that all the research and planning went out the window. But coping is the only option left with mankind. COVID-19 has posed a threat on childcare and health facilities have been harder to get that has given birth to insecurities among the employees. Here are some of the ways to provide low-cost childcare to your employees.

Need For A Childcare Plan

Work Obligations

With COVID-19 looming and a family or two to look after, employees must know how to tackle such situations. We can’t possibly get on without childcare at their workplace, it’s just not possible. In fact, even if some workplaces intend to give you a leave for personal emergencies including childcare. Still, there is a high tendency that your job might be in trouble if you overuse the leaves. So, a proper child care plan is needed by you for your employees.

Importance Of Human Life

With the outbreak of COVID-19, it is quite clear that we should not take human for granted. People have been more conscious about their healthcare than ever before. When they see that their employers are considerate enough to consider their own and their children’s care as a priority, they feel committed to the company and work more enthusiastically.

Added Assistance

Childcare is not just the responsibility of the mother. As responsible employers, it is their duty to step in wherever they can. If you are not able to do so physically, then look out for other options that can help you provide a safe and secure space for your employees and their families.

Shared Responsibility

As a consequence of the economic slowdown, many people have lost jobs and many others are getting paid less than they used to. Both the parents are forced to fend for the survival of the children and step out of their homes to have a stable earning. In such a situation, when the whole weight of child care and health care falls on the shoulders of the employees, they look up to their employers to share this weight, which is quite justified.

Need Of The Hour

Being the employer, you can’t expect them to handle everything by themselves. This is why providing ample affordable child care is important. It fosters confidence in employees that they are able to take care of their children’s health and wellbeing, even while they are busy with their professional obligations as well.

Easy Ways To Provide Low-Cost Childcare During COVID-19:

1. Investigate a reputable childcare agency In Your Area

Employer often offers workplace childcare, but it’s not the only option available. At times, you might have to look out for options that are present in your local area. Then, you decide which one is best for you. As an employer, you need to make collaborations with the local childcare agencies such as nanny agency to support the parents when they’re away at work. Also make sure to follow precautionary guidelines wholeheartedly.

2. Take Note Of The Needs Of The Employees

You can ask the employees to take on a small survey that’ll tell you what their unique child care needs are. Whether they prefer full-time or part-time services and whether they want a specific age group or not. This is important because the more you get to know about them, the easier it’ll be for you to find the most suitable solution available for them.

3. Financial Aid And Reimbursements

Even if the workplace doesn’t provide childcare, there are certain financial aids available by the employers for parents who need help with childcare needs. Employees can apply for reimbursements for eligible expenses related to childcare. And, employers can also provide financial aid for paying out-of-pocket medical and childcare costs.

4. Flexible Hours Of Work And Leave Policies

Another option that can be offered by the employer is flexibility in the work schedule for employees with childcare-related responsibilities. This does not only help out with childcare needs but also increases employee morale. Employers can provide additional paid time off, flexible schedules, telecommuting opportunities and other options for parents who are struggling to find a good childcare facility.

5. Arrange Awareness And Informative Sessions

One of the best ways to provide low-cost childcare during this COVID-19 pandemic to your employees is by encouraging them to attend awareness, education and informative sessions organised by you. Such events can be held at least once a month so that parents can learn about anything that relates to their child’s development. They’ll get a greater understanding of the impact on mothers, fathers and other family members and create an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the business owners and their employees.

All-in-all, the support and help that an employer can provide cannot be provided by anyone else. These are tough times which require for everyone to be more giving and selfless for greater good.

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