Human Resources: Employees Finding Freedom Through Work-Life Benefits

RALEIGH, N.C., June 25, 2009 - Working parents are declaring their freedom this Independence Day from day-to-day worries about conflicts between childcare and work. With children out of school for the summer, finding safe and affordable childcare becomes a concern for many working families. To help employees still work and provide for their families, many companies are offering child and back-up care options as part of their work-life benefits packages.

A recent poll from Workplace Options found that almost half of employees (48 percent) would feel more freedom to concentrate on work and home responsibilities if their employer provided support for childcare. Another 50 percent surveyed said that knowing they had back-up care options when their regular provider is unavailable would help them with feeling covered and less stressed, should their primary option fall through.

"The daycare needs of working parents have changed. It's no longer a matter of finding 9 to 5 care for preschoolers and infants. Employees are working longer hours, which creates needs that regular day care providers can't meet," said Dean Debnam, CEO for Workplace Options. "Knowing you have a fall-back plan for childcare can be very liberating for working parents - particularly in the summer when schedules and plans are more unpredictable."

The Workplace Options poll also reported that three in five employees surveyed are feeling the need to cut back on summer spending for camps, recreational activities and family outings. Instead of elaborate family vacations and kids spending the summer at camps, many families are sticking close to home in an effort to save money.

Financial consulting services are often included in work-life benefit packages to help free workers from anxiety over financial troubles. For example, financial counselors and educators can consult with employees on a variety of financial management issues including debt reduction, home buying, budgeting and prevention of foreclosure and bankruptcy.

In addition to child care, back-up care and financial consulting services, Workplace Options offers a wide range of work, family, wellness and daily living resources and solutions. To learn more about these services or trends in work-life issues, visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

The national survey on employee satisfaction, conducted by the North Carolina firm of Public Policy Polling June 12-16, polled 1,344 working Americans. The survey has a margin of error of +- 2.7 percent. Full survey results can be viewed at www.workplaceoptions.com/polls.asp.

About Workplace Options
Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market-leading products are recognized for their innovative Web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing. WPO also offers network management solutions and 24/7 call center services that help EAPs run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. For more information about WPO, please visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

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