Akamai Technologies's Backup Childcare Program

Challenges

Access, Worker Issues

Location

Nationwide

Stakeholders

Businesses

Beneficiaries

Children, Parents

Overview

Akamai Technologies launched a comprehensive backup childcare solution for staff, combining Care.com’s portal for emergency care and a $500 monthly au pair stipend.

Key Impact Metrics

40%
increase in number of backup care days provided
$500
monthly stipend offered to employees

Problem

Like many tech companies, Akamai employees work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. The company recognized that working parents needed better support systems to manage their childcare responsibilities while maintaining productivity at work.

Solution

Akamai partnered with Care.com to offer an on-demand backup care platform available 24/7. All employees could book vetted childcare providers or at-home care for emergencies. Additionally, Akamai provided $500/month stipend (through payroll) per child to cover other flexible care arrangements (such as au pairs and nannies). The Care.com portal was integrated with HR, and communications ensured employees understood the benefit. Usage data was tracked closely.

Results

Beneficiary Impact20 families enrolled in the $500/month stipend program in first year
Employee Impact~3 percent increase in recruitment attributed to the program
Financial Results~$5.4 million of eligible funding available for eligible employees (~1000)

Replication Tips

Start with flexibility: Use a proven platform (like Care.com) to launch backup care rapidly.
Monitor and adjust: Track usage closely and be prepared to scale the benefit quickly (as Akamai did with backup days).