Adapting Childcare: Near-Site vs. Near-Home Creches in Post-COVID

 When the Maternity Benefit (MB) Act was amended in 2017, it became a game-changer for women returning to work post-maternity. However, the challenge for a woman returning to work is always the same: "Who will take care of my child when I am away?" "I love my baby so much, but I also love working in the office. What should I do?" Corporate daycares were much needed as they helped women make decisions and smoothly transition back to work.

Then COVID-19 happened. It changed everything and will have a lasting effect on the ecosystem. It deeply affected children’s development. Parents can attest to the increased number of visits they have been making to Child Developmental Specialists after COVID-19. Companies are adopting hybrid work cultures; hence, parents require a mix of daycare options to better manage their work and childcare responsibilities. However, not many companies offer employees the choice to seek a mix of childcare benefits. Caregivers, especially mothers, are opting for career breaks to care for their child. This isn't ideal, given the efforts being made to encourage women's participation in the workforce.

There has been higher attrition among women in FY23 due to limited childcare choices and flexibility. Efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion have not been sufficient. According to World Bank statistics, the labour force participation of women has remained stagnant at 23% since the pandemic in 2022. The traditional burden of domestic responsibilities and childcare still falls primarily on women, especially during the peak of their careers.

According to a report by LinkedIn, in the current scenario where employers are implementing work from the office but still unable to provide flexibility in childcare solutions, working women are twice as likely as men to have to choose between childcare and their careers.

Childcare is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Therefore, companies, educators, and childcare providers should ensure that the objective of "Childcare with flexibility and innovation" is fulfilled to mitigate the challenges for working parents and contribute to holistic child development equally.