Being a working parent in America is challenging. For instance, consider child care: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that childcare is affordable when it costs no more than seven percent of household income.
In reality, according to a recent survey, families on average spend 24 percent of their income on childcare this year. With economic uncertainty, including inflation and job loss, these numbers are unsustainable for many households.
More than one-third (35 percent) of parents are currently using their savings to support childcare. This situation is expected to worsen as $24 billion in pandemic support ended in September 2023.
This year, 79 percent of parents anticipate increased childcare expenses, with 54 percent expecting to pay $600 or more per month. In total, these parents will need to find an extra $7,000 for additional expenses.
However, financial implications are just one of the obstacles facing working parents. A 2022 Ohio State University study discovered that about 66 percent of working parents in the U.S. experience parental burnout. This is a state of overwhelming exhaustion, anxiety, and irritability, leading to reduced performance at work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that 73 percent of private sector workers have no access to paid family leave, which exacerbates burnout.
As a result of these issues, there has been a significant increase in the number of American mothers opting to be stay-at-home parents, according to a study from Mother.ly. 24 percent of mothers were stay-at-home in 2023, up from 15 percent in 2022.
Additionally, according to data from Pew Research Center, fathers now make up 18% of stay-at-home parents, up from 11% in 1989.
Flexible working and affordable childcare are two significant areas requiring attention to attract and retain parents, particularly women, in the workforce. Along with these, workers are also seeking good paid leave policies, healthcare, and 401(k) contributions – tangible benefits.
However, a potential solution may be found in a concept being introduced in San Francisco. This spring, a new co-working pre-school, Savanna, is set to launch in the city. Described as a “learn, play workspace”, it will offer on-site co-working for parents, along with licensed infant/toddler care and a nursery school providing kids’ programs in STEM and other subjects.
The success and adoption of this concept remains to be seen. In the meantime, if you're looking for an employer with better benefits, consider starting your search on The Hill Jobs Board .
The board features numerous open positions across the country, including the three below.
Meeting Planner, Tribal Tech LLC, Alexandria
Tribal Tech is a Native American, woman-owned small business offering professional services to various clients. Meeting Planner, you will be involved in organizing and providing support for national and regional tribal grantee conferences with 200-500 attendees, and advisory council meetings with 15-20 attendees. You will also handle reimbursement of expenses for grantee travel to conferences, understand Federal Travel Regulations and GSA per diem rates, and keep track of technical assistance/training events and other activities in collaboration with organizational partners and the federal client. To be considered, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus three to four years’ of relevant work experience. Explore more details on this role.
Market Director of Clinical Services, Longevity Health Plan, Virginia
A variety of benefits are available for the successful candidate of this Market Director of Clinical Services job at Longevity Health Plan. A 401(k) matching, AD&D, dental health, life and disability insurances, as well as an employee assistance program are on offer. In return, you will be responsible for achieving clinical, medical loss ratio and quality goals, and you will act as the local market ISNP expert, provide education, support and coaching of the clinical team and work in partnership with the local medical director and market present/vice president. Those interested in applying should have a clinical background working in nursing homes or supervising staff in nursing homes, and experience in clinical quality program design, utilization management plan implementation, working in a managed care plan/risk bearing entity. Find out more now.
External Relations Officer, Center for International Private Enterprise, Washington
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the world through private enterprise and market-oriented reform, and as External Relations Officer (ERO) you will be responsible for coordinating work related to CIPE’s external advancement and other strategic organizational development projects. You will serve as the project manager on efforts intended to raise CIPE’s public profile and ensure long-term financial stability. In return, CIPE offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, flexible spending, paid family leave, life insurance, 401(k), commuter benefits, telework, and more. See all the role’s responsibilities here.
To see all the employers hiring at the moment, check out The Hill Jobs Board
