Childcare is a vital resource for semiconductor companies, providing access to a broader pool of workers that would otherwise be unavailable if not for the safe, supervised spaces it provides for young children while parents work. Families with children make up 40 percent of the nation's workforce, and providing childcare support increases labor force participation, particularly among women.
Historically, semiconductor companies have not fully leveraged childcare as a strategy for recruiting and retaining a highly qualified workforce. However, in the wake of policies like the CHIPS Act and with growing attention from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and economic development organizations nationally, more companies are recognizing the value of offering childcare benefits. These benefits not only serve as a competitive advantage in recruitment but also enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
But what are the best practices of companies who do an effective job of using childcare as a benefit in recruiting and to retain current employees? This presentation will showcase lessons learned through a partnership between the SEMI Foundation and Policy Equity Group about the childcare solutions companies are using to help families and the economy thrive. The session will include data and examples to illustrate why access to affordable, quality childcare is vital to employee recruitment and retention. To ground the discussion, the session will provide an overview of the U.S. childcare system, highlighting key federal and state programs that employees can access to find high-quality childcare and financial support to alleviate the cost burden.
Building on this foundation, we will present our approach to corporate childcare decision-making, drawing from our deep expertise and experience working with companies that are actively enhancing employee childcare benefits. The first component of this work is assessing employee demand by identifying their childcare needs and preferences. Next, we conduct a childcare capacity analysis to understand whether local markets meet demand and identify gaps. The approach also evaluates the accessibility of publicly funded care options, ensuring that company-provided benefits serve as “last dollar in” to bridge the gap. All of these components are tied together into a customized childcare plan. Using a case study approach, we’ll walk participants through real-world examples of how companies applied these tools to identify needs, explore options, and implement solutions. This approach can also be adapted to address future demands as companies grow.
The session will conclude with a discussion on the evolving federal childcare policy context, addressing how potential changes may impact companies’ ability to support employees in accessing high-quality, affordable childcare.
Attendees will leave with valuable insights and actionable strategies they can implement to better support their own workforce contexts.
