Overview
Best Buy offers employees access to 10 days of subsidized backup childcare or eldercare per year.
Key Impact Metrics
-
1,400
employees enrolled in the program since October 2018
-
150
employees utilized backup care services in that time
-
1,400+
workdays saved in the first half of 2022 alone
Problem
Best Buy employees, particularly retail and corporate staff, often face unpredictable disruptions to their childcare arrangements—school closures, caregiver illnesses, or emergency needs. Without a flexible care option, employees risk absenteeism, reduced performance, and increased stress, all of which can contribute to turnover and decreased morale.
Solution
Best Buy partnered with Bright Horizons to offer backup care services, giving employees access to up to 10 days of emergency in-home or center-based care annually. Employees pay a modest $10 daily co-pay, and the company covers the remainder. The program was informed by employee surveys and demand analysis before launch, ensuring alignment with real needs. This service supports parents, elder caregivers, and other dependents, enabling continued work engagement and peace of mind during care disruption.
Results
- Beneficiary Impact~150 employees utilized backup services
- Employee Impact~60% in savings in childcare costs a day
- Financial ResultsOver 1,400 workdays saved in H1 2022, representing significant productivity gains
Replication Tips
- Survey employees first to assess interest and care gap types.
- Partner with a national provider like Bright Horizons for scalability.
- Start with a pilot—track usage, satisfaction, and absenteeism.
- Offer a low co-pay to increase access and perceived value.
- Market the benefit heavily.
- Include eldercare options to serve a broader employee base.
Suggested Implementation Timeline
~6-9 months
