Child Care Now Top Workplace Benefit, Overtaking Retirement

New survey data shows child care is essential for employee productivity, retention, and loyalty

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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According to a new survey from KinderCare Learning Companies, child care has overtaken retirement benefits as one of the most important workplace benefits for working parents. The survey found that 85% of working parents believe child care benefits are as essential as healthcare benefits, and that lack of reliable child care is driving workforce attrition as parents change jobs, reduce hours, or leave the workforce entirely. However, only one in three employers currently offer child care benefits, putting workplace stability at risk.

Why it matters

The survey highlights the growing importance of child care as a core workplace benefit, not just a perk. Employers who provide child care support can see benefits in terms of improved employee productivity, loyalty, and retention, but many are not keeping pace with employee needs in this area.

The details

The KinderCare Confidence Index survey found that 85% of working parents believe child care benefits should be treated as essential, on par with health and retirement benefits. However, only one in three employers currently offer child care benefits. This disconnect is leading to a "quiet parent exodus" as parents make difficult tradeoffs, with 75% of working parents knowing people who have left the workforce due to child care challenges, and more than a quarter having considered quitting or actually quitting their jobs. The day-to-day impacts are also widespread, with parents reporting missing work, reducing hours, and experiencing tensions with managers and coworkers due to lack of reliable child care.

  • The KinderCare Confidence Index survey was conducted from November 5-13, 2025.

The players

KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc.

A leading private provider of early childhood and school-age education and care, offering a portfolio of child care solutions for working families.

Dan Figurski

President of KinderCare for Employers and Champions, a division that provides flexible child care solutions to employers.

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What they’re saying

“Employers have a real opportunity right now. When companies make child care easier to access and understand, parents can stay focused on their careers – and businesses see the payoff in productivity, loyalty, and long-term performance. That's exactly where KinderCare comes in, offering flexible child care solutions that meet employers where they are and give working parents the peace of mind they need to show up at work.”

— Dan Figurski, President of KinderCare for Employers and Champions

What’s next

KinderCare plans to release the full 2026 KinderCare Confidence Index Survey, which provides more detailed data and insights on the growing importance of child care as a workplace benefit.

The takeaway

As the cost of child care rises and access remains uncertain, this survey shows that employers who prioritize providing child care support to their workforce can gain a significant advantage in terms of employee productivity, loyalty, and retention - key factors for long-term business success.