However, many employees are already reporting stress, burnout and a lack of resources to respond to this latest phase in post-pandemic realignment. Instead of the intended creative collaboration and productivity, some employers are seeing presenteeism (where people attend but are not fit for work) and in some cases, a complete exit from the workforce – resulting in a higher turnover and reduced business continuity for employers.
One of the most impactful and valuable ways employers can address the challenges some employees feel with the return is by offering practical support to help manage home life alongside the commute. A key plank in this is employer-sponsored practical solutions and tangible benefits. This way, employers can support their employees’ wellbeing, while simultaneously enabling increased focus and engagement at work.
Of course, this not only facilitates employees’ return to office but also contributes to a more engaged, committed, and consistent workforce.
Here, the Bright Horizons team shares six decision making drivers and data to showcase the impact of Back-Up Care as a return-to-office facilitator for parents, carers, and businesses.
1. Address the stress
According to Bright Horizons’ recently published Modern Families Index 2025 (MFI), nearly one-third of UK working parents and carers are already very stressed. Offering inclusive solutions to employees feeling this strain will help them to feel more in control and supported by their employer.
Back-Up Care childcare, adult and eldercare as well as pet care, provide inclusive support, help take the strain and enable working parents and carers to return to the office.
With greater support often comes greater employee satisfaction, as people feel genuinely supported by their employer. In fact, 79% of Back-Up Care users report that it positively impacts their overall wellbeing (Bright Horizons Snapshot 2023), highlighting the crucial role these services play in reducing stress and promoting work-life balance.
2. Greater employee focus = better employer results
Lost productivity due to unexpected breakdowns in childcare is costing UK businesses millions every year.
Of the working parents and carers who stated they feel stressed in our MFI report, 80% said it was having an impact on their work as they were finding it hard to focus.
With an employer-sponsored back-up system in place, working parents and carers can focus on work when they’re at work, knowing that their children and dependants are being looked after by high-quality carers.
3. Mind the generation gap
Employers take note! It’s not just back-up care support for parents of young children that’s needed.
For businesses to fully maximise their potential for productivity and business growth, it’s important that your offer is holistic.
This includes support for parents of older children through tutoring or in-house eldercare, so those in the sandwich generation and carers of elderly loved ones can also return to the office without worries.
4. Keep talent
Retaining top employees has long been a business challenge. To keep the best people means that employers must look to support employees in their return to office transition, or risk losing them.
According to the MFI, over a third of working parents (35%) plan to look for new employment within the next year. For employers, this could result in significant disruption and costs.
Offering back-up can be the differentiator in retaining valuable employees. In fact, 92% of Back-Up Care users state it makes them feel like their employer is supportive of their family, which ranks as a key driver in loyalty.
By addressing this practical need of working parents, businesses can not only retain talent but also build a reputation as supportive, forward-thinking employers.
5. Future-proofing
Beyond improving retention, offering Back-Up Care enhances employers’ appeal to attracting top talent.
According to our MFI report, 76% of working parents consider childcare support when evaluating job opportunities.
By providing employer-sponsored supports such as Back-Up Care, businesses position themselves as supportive employers, meeting key needs for candidates and standing out in a competitive job market.
6. Enable agile working
Introducing Back-Up Care ensures employees can participate in last-minute or urgent meetings without disruptions.
The ability for employees to access last-minute or short-notice care directly translates to employee flexibility and business agility. A workforce that feels supported and has access to employer supports such as back-up care is better equipped to respond quickly to shifting demands.
Whether that's meeting tight deadlines, tackling new challenges or even just enabling office presence for meetings, workshops or training, businesses that invest in Back-Up Care are creating the conditions for their teams to adapt and thrive.
If you are an employer and would like to discover more about Back-Up Care, you can access our latest Back Up Care + Education Guide here.
Alternatively, let us talk you through the wide range of services we offer and how they can help your business and your people. Give us a call on 0345 241 5309 or email employerenquiry@brighthorizons.com. Find out more by visiting Bright Horizons’ Work + Family Solutions at https://solutions.brighthorizons.co.uk.
