Backup Child Care Becoming an Employee Benefit for Some

A friend of mine called me frantically this week, hoping that since I worked from home I could watch her kids for a day. She had a meeting at work she simply could not miss. Unfortunately, my schedule commitment was crammed full already with a work-related meeting, two doctor's appointments, and two child dental cleanings and I simply couldn't reschedule at last minute and keep her toddlers. But I sure felt guilty. Really guilty. And I remember the feeling of panic when I was in the same situation on more than one occasion. But help is on its way for a growing number of employees (although still small) with an employer-related backup care benefit. Companies choosing to add this coverage are finding lower absenteeism, higher job productivity, and increased employee loyalty!