Developing on-site
Located in the El Segundo, California campus, Mattel's free, on-site care center celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The center, which is managed by the child education company Bright Horizons, provides care for
"Mattel early on recognized the many benefits of on-site childcare as part of our commitment to investing in employee well-being and supporting the needs of our parent workforce," says Karen Ancira, executive vice president and chief people officer for Mattel. "Our facility offers programs designed to accommodate the varied schedules of Mattel employees, including full-time and part-time enrollment options, as well as drop-in care."
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While Mattel was clearly ahead of the curve, child care centers have become incrementally more popular — at least among employers with a vested interest in supporting
On the other hand, many employers are still hesitant to offer any child care benefits: According to Mercer, a human resources consulting firm, 54% of employers with at least 500 employees still do not provide benefits that help working parents.
However, as more companies bring their employees back to the office, child care benefits may have to become a bigger priority. Ancira notes that Mattel employees are now in the office four days a week, making the on-site center that much more vital.
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"Mattel employees have also returned to office, with remote days and adjustable on-campus hours designed to offer flexibility for personal needs," she says. "Similarly, the center offers flexible year-round enrollment options as parents can tailor their childcare needs to their specific work commitments, fostering a supportive environment."
And it doesn't look like employees would disagree. In a survey by Mattel, they found that 100% of parents who use the center report reduced stress in balancing their personal and professional lives, while 91% said that they're satisfied with the education their children receive in their time at the center.
For employers questioning whether they would see a return on investment, Ancira highlights what companies gain in engagement, productivity and morale. And this doesn't necessarily mean employers need to build an on-site center. According to the Boston Consulting Group, companies with child care benefits, such as financial assistance and flexibility, report ROI gains as high as 425%. Meanwhile, Care.com found that one in five employees have left their job because their employer didn't provide family-focused benefits.
"The year-round offerings of the Mattel Child Development Center greatly contribute to an inclusive and nurturing culture where parents can feel empowered to succeed at work while also prioritizing caring for their families," says Ancira. "We are fostering a more engaged workforce and enhancing the employee experience."
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Ancira challenges employers to reflect on how they support their working parents, whether they have office workers or "deskless" workers like those in the service and healthcare industries. In total, just around 12% of all U.S. workers have access to child care benefits, according to the Boston Consulting Group — and in a country where child care costs on average $11,582 per child per year, employers may be losing out on talent if they don't provide at least some benefits.
"The Mattel Child Development Center provides the opportunity for employees to focus on their goals, build connections and be inspired by the work we do while enrolling their children in quality on-site childcare," says Ancira. "It truly embodies Mattel's purpose to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential."
