The next topic in the series, “13 reasons that help explain the labor shortage in the U.S.,” has a special meaning for parents, and it touches on an important issue that will define the future of every country. Going to work is challenging for all working parents when they have small children to take care of. As more and more households are trying to make ends meet with both parents working, it is challenging to meet the demands of our future generation. Schools and Daycares have been struggling with COVID-related restrictions, and most caretakers employed in this sector have also had to deal with challenges in their own families.

Various reports show how Scandinavian and other OECD countries outspend the U.S. on childcare. However, staying focused on the United States, we decided to look at the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data on childcare benefits available to the working population. There is plenty of good information on the BLS website. We homed in on the data related to employee benefits and, more specifically, on some of the benefits classified as “Quality of Life Benefits.”

Childcare is embedded in this category as it still appears to be a luxury for many. Coincidentally, flexible work schedule has started showing up in the same category since 2020. However, coming back to childcare, the percentage of employers that offer childcare has hovered around 11-12%, with very slow progress during the last couple of years.

Source: U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics

The solution for this problem is something that the U.S. legislators have been trying to find for several years. More recently, some budget allocations were also made towards this end. However, it will require a lot of sacrifice from everyone to support the generation, which will define the future. Not including childcare in any economic or financial forecast is like borrowing from the future. The effort would be required from the governments at all levels and companies that value their employees’ well-being and a healthy pool of employees for the future. Anyone who does not invest in its future will not enjoy the fruits of success for too long.