Family care policy in the high-tech workplace: it's a good investment

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. In the United States today, an estimated 26 million children need some type of supervision while their parents go to work. There is an increasing need in our society for affordable, quality day care as well as for flexible work options in the work place. Although the need for assistance is felt by millions of families every day, child care is still viewed as a women's issue rather than a corporate or societal issue. Employers and the government have long overlooked the growing problem of family care for a variety of reasons. The most often cited reasons employers give for not incorporating some type of family care policy include prohibitive cost and liability concerns. At the root of the problem are several outdated stereotypes as to the need for such policies and the role of working women in society today. Put simply, many employers feel that family care policies are too costly and unnecessary. It is contended, however, that employers should view the costs of the much needed programs as sound investments in their highly skilled, technical personnel. The return on their investment will come in the way of increased productivity, higher employee morale, and increased loyalty to the company.<>