PwC supports their working parents beyond back-to-school

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It's officially back-to-school season, which means that working parents' are once again looking for all of the support they can get from their organizations — and management consulting firm PwC is delivering. 

According to a study from the American Psychological Association, 72% of working parents' stress stemmed from school and child care disruptions and uncertainty. Another 39% of working parents struggle to find quality child care and thus are unable to manage parenting responsibilities, according to a research report from early education center KinderCare, which makes support from employers non-negotiable. 

"Back-to-school season can bring added stress for working parents who are navigating new child care needs and rising child care costs," says Chris Santucci, a data risk and privacy partner at PwC and father of two. "When our people are cared for in ways that matter to them, they are more engaged, fulfilled and motivated, and our clients can feel that in the work we do and see it in the solutions we deliver."

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In an effort to better support their own working parents, PwC has expanded their benefits to now include reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year to offset the costs of unexpected care, discounted before-and-after-school care and discounts on several virtual tutoring and child care centers they partner with. 

PwC also launched a dedicated Parenting Inclusion Network — which Santucci helps lead — which includes various parenting resources and a peer connection program with the goal of fostering community among working parents to give them an additional avenue of support from their colleagues.  

"Everyday flexibility is also just ingrained in our culture like reduced schedules and pay-adjusted leaves to help working parents balance their family and career needs," Santucci says. "Fostering a culture of well-being and flexibility is essential for creating an environment where working parents can truly thrive." 

And while enhancing benefits is important, Santucci also stresses how overall cultural changes are equally vital for supporting working parents and setting them up for success year-round, not just during the back-to-school season. 

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"There is simply no one-size-fits-all approach to benefits and personal well-being," he says. "By supporting our people at each stage of their life, with customized support to meet our individual needs, we can be our best at work, home and everywhere in between." 

Ultimately, he urges companies to be transparent with their employees about the accommodations they can and can't make for their workforce. Santucci  also encourages employees with children to do the same with their organizations. 

"It's important for the conversation around back-to-school support to be continuous and year-round because working parents face a wide range of challenges that extend beyond the start of the school year," he says. "When we prioritize our people and support well-being, we all benefit."