For years, child care has been treated as a personal issue. But today, employers across industries are recognizing it for what it really is: a business opportunity. And among all the ways to support working families, one approach rises to the top—on-site child care.
From stronger employee retention and productivity to reduced absenteeism and easier recruitment, the return on investment is clear. And with a partner like Vivvi, a leading provider of caregiving benefits, including on-site child care centers, companies are turning family support into a powerful workplace advantage.
On-Site Child Care Is a High-Impact Investment
While child care may traditionally fall outside the scope of business operations, forward-thinking companies are discovering that investing in on-site child care drives meaningful financial returns.
Among all child care benefits, on-site care stands out for its consistency, predictability, and impact. It doesn’t just reduce stress for employees—it delivers meaningful gains for the business. With measurable outcomes in retention, productivity, and well-being, on-site child care isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.
A recent study by Boston Consulting Group and Moms First analyzed five employers across industries and found that child care benefits can deliver up to 425% ROI, with on-site centers producing the greatest return. In fact, retaining just 1% of eligible employees was enough to break even on the total cost of the benefit.
Vivvi has seen these dynamics firsthand. In a case study conducted with The Fifth Trimester, one company saved more than 11 times its child care investment, driven by reduced turnover, smoother operations, and improved employee engagement.
Why On-Site Outperforms Other Child Care Benefits
While stipends, dependent care FSAs, and backup care programs are valuable, they are often reactive—designed to help families navigate problems when they arise. On-site child care, on the other hand, removes the stress before it begins.
The difference is measurable:
- Retention: Companies offering on-site care report saw 7.4 times higher worker retention rates and 8.9 times more loyal employees.
- Absenteeism: Reports show that working parents miss an average of 21 days annually due to child care breakdowns.
- Emotional Well-Being: Employees using on-site centers report stronger feelings of support, reduced stress, and greater satisfaction compared to those navigating external care, according to research from Michigan State University.
When care is just steps away from the workplace, parents experience less daily friction and more peace of mind—resulting in higher focus, deeper engagement, and greater loyalty.
Real Results Across Industries
From healthcare to manufacturing to higher education, on-site care is making a tangible difference. At Steamboat Ski Resort, an on-site center helped the organization reduce turnover and improve employee attendance after local care providers closed—allowing staff to show up with reliability and ease. At UPS, a pilot child care program kept a single mother of three from quitting her job after repeated absences; once her children were enrolled in the program, she not only returned to full attendance but received a promotion within the month. At Wellstar Health, employees using the on-site child care center had a turnover rate of just 1.5%, compared to significantly higher rates among peers without access.
These are not isolated stories—they are clear evidence that integrating care into the workplace leads to stronger business outcomes.
Vivvi: A Trusted Partner in On-Site Child Care
Vivvi partners with employers to design, build, and operate child care centers that align with the needs of their workforce—whether that means full-time programs, 24/7 coverage for shift-based teams, or flexible enrollment options. Every center offers high-quality early education, expert faculty and a nurturing environment that helps children thrive and parents focus.
And for employers, it’s a solution that doesn’t just support families—it strengthens the entire organization.
With Vivvi as your partner, offering on-site child care becomes more than a benefit—it becomes a foundation for a stronger, more resilient workplace.