Healthcare Workers' Perceptions of On-Site Childcare

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources in Healthcare
• Workforce Development

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in childcare infrastructure for healthcare workers.
• Existing childcare limitations negatively impact healthcare workforce retention, recruitment, and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of in-house and emergency childcare on healthcare worker retention, recruitment, and productivity at an academic medical center.
• To outline the implications of childcare availability for healthcare organizations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A 35-question electronic survey with quantitative and qualitative components was administered to employees.
• The survey was conducted during pandemic-induced public school closures under institutional review board approval.

Main Results:

• Over half of respondents found weekday on-site childcare very or extremely important, with physicians and staff being key groups.
• Sixty percent of respondents deemed emergency on-site childcare extremely or very important.
• Nearly half of respondents reported work disruptions due to childcare needs, including canceled clinics and surgeries.

Conclusions:

• While in-house and emergency childcare are needed, current employees may not expect them due to general unavailability.
• Implementing childcare solutions offers academic medical centers opportunities to enhance well-being and productivity.
• Providing childcare can be a strategic tool for retaining and recruiting physicians, nurses, and staff amidst rising burnout rates.