Challenges
Access, Scalability, Worker Issues
Location
Nationwide
Stakeholders
Businesses, Nonprofits
Beneficiaries
Children, Parents
Overview
Bright Horizons is the nation’s largest provider of employer-sponsored backup childcare. Companies contract Bright Horizons to give employees access to short-term care when their regular childcare falls through.
Key Impact Metrics
-
1M
workdays saved per year across client employers
-
3,500+
locations nationwide have this service
Problem
Unexpected school closures and other emergencies leave many working parents stranded. Without quick backup care, employees take unplanned leave and face job insecurity. This is a widespread issue, with employers reporting millions of lost workdays annually due to childcare breakdowns.
Solution
Bright Horizons, founded in 1986, provides comprehensive solutions for emergency child, adult, and elder care, offering center-based and in-home care options accessible 24/7 through a user-friendly platform. The program is designed to minimize work disruptions, reduce employee stress, and support employers in retaining talent.
Results
- Beneficiary Impact7.4x average increase in retention rate
- Employee Impact~425% return on investment from childcare benefits by employers
- Financial Results~$225,000-$1,000,000 in turnover cost savings
Replication Tips
- Diversify care options: Offer both physical childcare sites and virtual care (e.g., online tutoring, virtual babysitting) to meet diverse employee needs and increase program utilization.
- Develop an initial funding model: An undertaking like Bright Horizons’ would require different stages of funding and investment, even while revenues from the service’s users start to come in.
Suggested Implementation Timeline
~16-24 months
