Parents with school-aged children are more likely to accept employment if they are able to work around their childrens’ schedule. For some employers, offering a “parent” shift (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) is not a far stretch from the shifts they typically operate. However, for other employers, this non-traditional work shift might seem impossible to implement. If you are an employer that is struggling to meet quota’s due to shortage of workers, consider this, if you were able to have 10 workers that were able to give you a solid 6 hours per day, how much would that increase your production? 

Workers who fit into this category will have some specific needs such as:

• Parents with no full-day or before and after school care require work shifts that are within school hours. (depending on district, typcially 9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
• Working parents from this population require flexible schedules that allow them to call off without retribution during school closures or other child related issues. (Inclement weather, teacher in-service days, when children are sick) 

Though there is not currently any direct incentives for employing workers from this population, there can be financial benefit. Most workers that fit into this population do not need health insurance benefits and other fringe beneifts. (and by working part-time would not likely qualify for such benefits with most companies) This could be a signifcant cost savings to the employer. 

The hyperlinks below contain information including videos and articles outlining how other companies have implemented out of the box thinking such as part-time work shfits and childcare solutions and have been able to eliminate or greatly reduce their issues with workforce shortages. 

Kawasaki in Lincoln, Nebraska

Knox Pages Article – “The Mom Squad”

Employer Provided Childcare

For additional information about childcare center operation visit ODJFS HERE.