New Report: Employing and Engaging Families with Young Children, 2024

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HR Benefits & Policies Guide

Uncover pragmatic approaches tailored to the distinctive challenges faced by today's working families

Welcome to our HR Benefits & Policies Guide, curated for Pennsylvania employers committed to creating workplaces that champion the well-being of employees and their families. This guide digs into key HR opportunities that can directly improve the dynamics of the working families who make up your workforce. From refining scheduling practices to supporting pregnant and breastfeeding workers, we delve into essential topics such as paid leave, employee assistance programs, flexible spending accounts, subsidies & vouchers, and specialized strategies for small businesses. This guide includes practical insights and solutions to empower your organization so you can create a workplace where every employee can thrive both personally and professionally.

Scheduling

Unlock workforce potential with work schedules that create stability and predictability. Studies show that flexible scheduling enhances morale, reduces absenteeism, boosts retention, and increases productivity. In shift-based industries, predictive scheduling minimizes disruptions and allows workers to secure reliable childcare solutions. Learn more about how you can elevate your workplace with transformative scheduling solutions.

Paid leave

Discover the impact of paid leave on your workforce. Explore how embracing paid leave benefits can elevate your Pennsylvania workplace, reduce turnover costs, and improve overall business conditions. In this section, we cover the basics of sick and safe leave, parental leave, family and medical leave, and parental involvement leave. Uncover data and resources and get actionable steps like conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Learn more about the advantages for both employees and employers. 

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can help support your employees in navigating various life challenges including child or elder care disruptions, stress, grief, family problems, and more. EAPs  aim to address issues proactively, preventing their impact on work performance. They’re free to employees, low cost to employers, and extend to employee’s dependents and families. Click to explore sample policies and resources for effective EAP implementation  

Flexible Spending Accounts

Optimize employee benefits with Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Expense Accounts. FSAs, which offer pre-tax benefits, empower employees to cover dependent care expenses like child care, preschool, and summer camps. Employers can contribute within set limits, reducing FICA tax liabilities. DCEAs expand coverage to include care for elderly or disabled relatives. Both are cost-effective solutions for employers, requiring minimal operational expenses. Learn how to encourage employee contributions and how you can offer additional support to address out-of-pocket challenges.  

Subsidies and vouchers

Enhance work-life balance by exploring subsidies and vouchers for child care. With infant child care costs averaging $11,800 annually in Pennsylvania, these programs help defray expenses, making quality care accessible. You can provide vouchers directly to employees or preferred providers. Subsidies reserve slots with local child care providers. Both options contribute to local provider stability and may qualify your business for tax credit of up to $150,000. Learn more about employer-provided child care facilities, service tax credit, and more.

Accommodations and Support for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Workers

Learn more to provide essential accommodations and support for pregnant and breastfeeding workers. Pregnant worker accommodations, like flexible schedules and support for prenatal appointments, ensure a safe and healthy working environment. Foster open communication between managers and employees to create a supportive workplace culture during pregnancy. For breastfeeding workers, align policies with recommendations from leading medical associations. Supporting breastfeeding not only benefits employee well-being but also yields lower medical costs, reduced turnover, improved productivity, and enhanced employee morale. Explore potential financial benefits, including tax credits for qualifying expenditures

Small Business Strategies

There are many effective strategies for supporting working families with young children. Enhance access to quality child care by incorporating information and resources into your employee handbook and creating an exclusive employee-only section on your website. Gain insights into your employees' child care needs through thoughtful inclusion in feedback surveys and supervisory meetings. Contribute to the advancement of the child care system by engaging in state and federal advocacy efforts. Sign up for legislative alerts, support advocacy organizations, and participate in petitions and letters to legislators. Learn more ways about how you can foster a workplace that truly cares.