The big red flag that working parents look for in a job
A new study from national childcare provider KinderCare finds that one in three employers do not offer any childcare benefits—but 85% of parents surveyed describe those benefits as “essential.”
A new study from national childcare provider KinderCare finds that one in three employers do not offer any childcare benefits—but 85% of parents surveyed describe those benefits as “essential.”
The disconnect between corporate rhetoric and the reality of working parents is widening. While many employers claim to value "family-friendly" environments, a new study from KinderCare and The Harris Poll reveals a significant gap in tangible support.
Despite 85% of parents viewing childcare benefits as "essential"—ranking them alongside healthcare and retirement—a third of employers offer no childcare support whatsoever.
The Value Gap: Priorities vs. Reality
For working parents, childcare isn't just a "perk"; it is a top-three priority. While healthcare (70%) and PTO (56%) lead the list, childcare follows closely behind. For 25% of low-income parents, it is actually the single most important benefit.
Even when benefits exist, communication is often poor:
50%+ of employees find their current childcare benefits difficult to understand.
71% say their employer rarely mentions support for parents.
69% view a lack of parental support discussion during interviews as a major "red flag."
The Cost of Inaction: Retention and Productivity
The lack of support is driving a talent exodus. Parents are no longer willing to sacrifice their family’s stability for a rigid workplace.
| Group | Career Impact of Childcare Needs |
| All Parents | 60% would reduce hours or take a less demanding job. |
| Low-Income Parents | 80% have switched or would consider switching jobs. |
| Gen Z Parents | Significantly more likely to change careers for childcare. |
Furthermore, 66% of parents admit that unreliable childcare directly hurts their productivity, and 75% feel an implicit pressure to be "always available," even in flexible roles.
A Gendered Crisis
The burden remains disproportionately on women. While the post-pandemic era saw a brief recovery for working mothers, 2025 has seen a reversal of those gains due to rising costs, the loss of remote work, and cuts to federal childcare funding.
212,000 women exited the workforce in the first half of 2025 alone.
The labor participation rate for mothers aged 25–44 dropped by 3 percentage points.
In December 2025, an analysis by the National Women’s Law Center found that 100% of the 81,000 workers who left the labor force were women.
Companies that fail to bridge this gap face a dual threat of high turnover and diminished productivity. Conversely, the incentive for investment is clear: 80% of parents report they would be more loyal to an employer that provides genuine childcare support. In a tightening labor market, childcare benefits are no longer a niche luxury—they are a competitive necessity.