WHY YOUR NEXT EVENT NEEDS BABYSITTING
Event childcare: A meaningful step towards equity and inclusion.
For business leaders, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just a moral imperative, but a business necessity. Post covid, the conversation around supporting parents in the workplace while they are starting or raising a family is gaining attention.
Businesses, professional organizations and leadership development experts are tapping into the need for more support, but failing to recognize that one often overlooked area where businesses can make a significant impact for parents is in the provision of childcare at events. With event childcare becoming an emerging trend, especially in the fields of STEM, it’s a very meaningful step organizations are taking to support families and women.
HOW IT HELPS MOTHERS
Removing barriers to lighten the load
It’s not new that women in the workforce often face challenges related to childcare responsibilities. We know they are more often, not always, the parent racing home to pick up the kids after work, and they take on a lot of the heavy lifting. As a result, they miss out on growth opportunities at work, while they watch their male counterparts seize these opportunities. Having the option to bring children, doesn’t remove all the responsibilities, but limits the barriers and gives women a choice.
Children aren’t the only ones with milestones
Every stage of parenting comes with challenges and trade-offs when it comes to career. However, at the stage when many enter parenthood, it’s also a pivotal time for women in their careers, while demands of family life are high. Whether it's a corporate conference, networking event, or team-building retreat, offering event childcare can increase attendance from those who are at the stage of their careers where these types of opportunities can have the greatest impact.
HOW IT HELPS SINGLE PARENTS
Increasing support, single or not
Single parents often face challenges when it comes to participating in professional events. Data from Statista indicates that there are approximately 1.8 million single parent families across the country. As a result, often mothers and fathers are unable to fully participate in professional growth opportunities due to childcare responsibilities. By providing childcare at events, parents at least have the option to be included, especially when cost of childcare can be a barrier.
Creating meaningful connections
Childcare at events can also help single parents (and all parents) build a support network within the company, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This can be beneficial for employees who feel isolated due to their family responsibilities. Building a community within the company can lead to increased collaboration, improved teamwork, and a more cohesive organizational culture.
HOW IT HELPS NEW PARENTS
A strategic opportunity and long overdue
Returning to work after maternity leave is so darn hard. Transition support is not commonplace, and research by the Vanier Institute of the Family shows that many Canadian women feel disconnected from their workplaces during maternity leave. Providing childcare at events can help ease this transition, encouraging new mothers to remain engaged with their professional communities, if they so choose.
Also, mothers who are still nursing will find ease knowing they have the option to attend an event, with baby close by. By supporting women during this critical phase, businesses can strengthen their employer brand, attract top talent, and enhance their reputation as a family-friendly employer.
Why not give options
Event childcare and maternity inclusion also helps businesses actively demonstrate that they value and support employees during major life transitions, such as the birth or adoption of a child. This not only helps in retaining talent but also enhances the company's reputation as a family-friendly employer. A supportive work environment can lead to higher employee engagement, increased loyalty, and a more positive company culture.
HOW IT HELPS CHILDREN
A glimpse into the working world
Exposing children to the world of work at a young age can be both educational and inspiring. Children get to see firsthand what their parents do and meet the people they work with, demystifying the concept of work and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their parents. This can help in shaping the next generation of employees and leaders, creating a pipeline of talent for the future.
Social and emotional development
Attending events with their parents can help children develop social skills and emotional intelligence by interacting with adults in a professional setting before and after they participate in childcare. This early exposure can be valuable in shaping their future attitudes towards work and relationships. Also, children who haven’t had much exposure to new caregivers or babysitters can do so with parents close by. Investing in the social and emotional development of children can lead to a more empathetic, collaborative, and innovative workforce in the long run.
Experiences and relationships
For conferences where parents travel, having childcare and babysitting services nearby means parents have less time away from their children, while providing an enriching experience. Event childcare at national or international conferences gives parents the option to travel with their family, and kids the opportunity to make friends from different cultures and backgrounds. This feels like a no brainer to offer, at least giving parents the option.
WHY IT MAKES SENSE FOR BUSINESSES
Increase participation and boost retention
A recent study found that parents are actually looking for more family friendly employers and benefits. Also, a research showed parenthood actually makes employees more productive. Offering event childcare or babysitters at events is a tangible way to show support for working parents, and encourages participation in professional development opportunities. By investing in childcare at events, businesses can boost employee retention, reduce turnover costs, and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Enhancing productivity and engagement
When parents are worried about their children, their focus and productivity can suffer. Organizations can help parents fully engage with event content without the distraction of worrying about their children's well-being. And, in the event a child needs their parents, they don’t have to leave the event entirely. This can lead to more productive meetings, better networking opportunities, and increased employee satisfaction
The quality of care matters
Not all care is equal and businesses need to ensure they are providing safe, high-quality care to parents from screened and vetted individuals. By providing high-quality, screened childcare, employers will gain confidence from employees and grow the culture of bringing children along and break down some barriers parents face.
In an era where businesses are striving to show, not just say, that they support women and parents, offering childcare at events through a trusted source like Birdie Break is a concrete step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment. By removing barriers to participation for parents, supporting women returning from maternity leave, and providing opportunities for children to experience the world of work, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a meaningful way.
So, the next time you’re planning an event, remember that childcare isn’t just a perk—it’s a powerful tool for driving engagement, fostering diversity, and building a more inclusive workplace. Your employees, their families, and your business will all reap the rewards. By strategically integrating childcare into your business events, you can elevate your DEI strategy, enhance your employer brand, and create a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Looking to book Birdie Break Event Babysitting? Click here to learn more about Birdie Break Nests.
Resources:
https://meetings.skift.com/conferences-dont-offer-child-support-thats-problem/
https://qz.com/work/1714891/conferences-are-beginning-to-offer-childcare-for-working-parents
https://vanierinstitute.ca/a-snapshot-of-women-work-and-family-in-canada/