5 voluntary benefits employers should offer working moms

Mother’s Day is a time to honor every mom who seems to “do it all.” In light of celebrating the hard work and dedication mothers provide to their families every day, now is an ideal time for employers to think about how their current benefit offerings support the needs of working moms. It’s a big need: According to the Department of Labor, 70% of women with children under the age of 18 participate in the workforce.

Providing a voluntary benefits package with moms in mind will help employers in two ways: It will retain current employees and recruit more of this valuable subset of the workforce. A number of voluntary benefits can give working moms a financial safety net and to help reduce their overall worry. No matter the age, location, marital status or job position of a mother, the following are unique benefits that moms will appreciate and take advantage of.

Accident insurance. As summer approaches, kids and families spend more time outside playing, hiking, waterskiing, biking and enjoying the outdoors. Accident insurance is a great safety net for active families to help cover the costs of those unforeseen bumps and bruises. It pays cash directly for out-of-pocket expenses that the covered individual may incur as a result of injuries. Most programs can cover dependents as well.

Hospital insurance. Similar to accident insurance, this benefit helps mothers complement their core medical plans by addressing financial gaps and out-of-pocket expenses when a visit to the hospital is necessary for those soccer practice collisions or cheerleading mishaps. For the moms-to-be, this benefit can help cover time needed in the hospital for delivery.

ID theft. Identity theft protection is very affordable and can provide valuable peace of mind around employees’ digital activity. ID theft programs monitor exposure to hackers as well as the activity of workers’ children’s social media accounts to help them make smart, safe decisions — even when parents are not looking.

See also: How employers can protect workers from identity theft

Purchasing programs. Purchasing programs offered through employers can help mothers pay for items they need for the household over a period of time, such as a new washer and dryer, computers and electronics or even something sparkly for themselves — all through the convenience of payroll deduction.

Critical illness. The underlying pressure to provide for a family and to stay healthy is a heavy burden for working mothers. Many mothers have concerns about how to cover expenses should they have a critical illness and are unable to work for an extended period of time. This benefit is designed to pay a lump sum cash benefit to cover out-of-pocket expenses when a mother or a covered family member experiences, or is diagnosed with a critical illness.

Most of the programs above cost about the same as a daily cup of coffee, but can give moms the priceless gift of peace of mind. By offering voluntary benefits that reduce employees’ overall worry and provide a financial safety net, employers will in turn be rewarded with a dedicated and engaged subset of their workforce: working moms.