Backup Care Ranks as Top Benefit; Reduces Stress, Says Survey

World at Work - July 10, 2008

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Nearly 100% of backup care users think it’s important, according to a new survey. Further, 89% say that just knowing that it’s available reduces stress.

Despite the economic slowdown, a growing number of companies are adding backup care — temporary care for children and/or elderly during school holidays, illnesses, etc. — to their suite of employee benefits in an effort to reduce unscheduled absenteeism, boost workplace productivity and support employees with family care responsibilities. In fact, according to Work Options Group, 71% of those surveyed rank backup care as a top employee benefit.

Following are key findings from the 2008 Backup Care Survey, which was issued to all employees who used backup care through Work Options Group between March 1 and May 31, 2008. More than 1,200 individuals completed the survey.

Survey respondents were asked, “If the backup care program was not offered by your employer, what would you have done instead?

• 71% — Missed work to provide care for my loved one
• 14% — Conducted an independent search for short-term care
• 13% — Asked friends or family to provide care for my loved one
• 2% — Other (respondents listed “worked from home,” “changed my work schedule” and “brought my child to work”)

Percentage of respondents who either “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” with the following statements:

• 99% — Backup care is an important employee benefit.
• 94% — Being offered the backup care benefit by my company indicates that my employer wants to help me balance my work-life responsibilities.
• 89% — Knowing that the backup care benefit is available reduces my stress level.
• 83% — I recommend the backup care benefit to my co-workers.
• 82% — Using the backup care benefit reduced my stress level at work.
• 78% — Using the backup care benefit enhanced my productivity at work.
• 77% — I rank the backup care benefit as one of my top employee benefits.
• 77% — Being offered the backup care benefit by my company makes me more loyal to my employer.

Results from the 2008 Backup Care Survey are based on responses from more than 1,200 people. Work Options Group distributed an anonymous online survey to every person who used the Backup Care Options program between March 1 and May 31, 2008. The survey was completed by employees from 130 U.S. companies.