On the surface, working parents look like they have everything under control by showing up, performing and getting the job done. But beneath the surface, many are quietly worrying: about affording rising child care costs, about their contingency plan if their child or provider gets sick or scrambling to find backup care. One unexpected phone call can mean missing work and falling behind. These challenges can be costly to business productivity, putting strain not only on operations but also on their co-workers. 

Maintaining stability is key

Businesses can operate at their best while still supporting employees through life’s unexpected challenges.

“With the right support structures and flexibility in place, businesses can maintain strong performance while recognizing that employees are navigating real-world responsibilities and family obligations,” said Sarah Richardson. In her role as the FTF  Strategic Initiatives Director, Richardson regularly works with business leaders and economic development organizations across Arizona on workforce and child care solutions on behalf of Arizona’s early childhood agency. 

This kind of support helps operations run smoothly day-to-day and keeps employees engaged and ultimately, more reliable.

Almost all working parents (85%) say child care benefits should be considered essential as health or retirement benefits, according to KinderCare’s 2026 Confidence Index report. Balancing work while securing appropriate care for their children directly affects working parents’ attendance, productivity and retention.

The impact of family-friendly policies and services

For Sara Fox of Phoenix, her employer’s family-friendly policies helped her continue working as a director of operations while caring for her newborn. Fox was able to work a hybrid schedule while also being able to bring her infant to work. As her baby got older, her bosses offered a $400 monthly stipend to offset child care costs. 

Fox understands the importance of quality child care because she volunteers as an FTF regional council member and speaks to others about its importance for working families and for a healthy state economy. 

When Megan and Pat Clasen of Chandler noticed their 3-year-old son Cooper wasn’t meeting developmental milestones, they learned about Arizona’s Early Intervention Program, a statewide service designed to support young children with developmental delays. 

Clasen and her husband spent countless hours finding the right treatment for Cooper. Those hours researching doctors and coordinating care came at the cost of missed work and reduced productivity for both parents. Ultimately, Clasen, a former real estate agent, stepped away from her career to become a stay-at-home parent and took on most of Cooper’s appointments and care coordination. 

“When employees are distracted by child care issues, businesses feel it through increased absenteeism, scheduling disruptions and turnover,” Richardson said. “Ensuring employees have access to quality child care is an essential benefit to ensure a business attracts and retains a quality workforce.”

Working mom Misty Celaya had considered stepping away from her position as a caregiver at John C. Lincoln Medical Center in Phoenix to care for her baby. 

“Getting home at the end of a long day with an infant was taxing on me as an employee,” Celaya said. “Maybe I just need to step away and be a mom for a while.”

HonorHealth, which John C. Lincoln is a part of, has made child care a top priority for its 16,000 employees. One way officials listened to their workforce was by opening 2 on-site child care and development centers, such as the Lincoln Learning Center at the medical center. 

After hearing stories from her co-workers whose children were cared for at the learning center, Celaya felt confident that the on-site child care center was a safe, reliable choice for her daughter, while she and her husband were at work. HonorHealth officials say their family-friendly policies have strengthened retention, reduced stress for working parents and reinforced their reputation as one of the state’s top employers.

A worthy business choice

Much like traditional compensation packages, such as health insurance and retirement plans, child care benefits deserve equal consideration. They play a critical role in one’s ability to participate in the workforce. Yet, more than 40% of Arizona working parents report that their employer does not provide any child care benefits, according to a First Things First survey. The consequences are real, not only for the parents, but for businesses, too. 

First Things First provides child care solutions designed to meet the unique needs of businesses of all sizes. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for a 24-hour hospital, may not work for a small business with standard working hours. By assessing employee needs, businesses can explore what options are feasible. Even small steps can make a measurable difference.