Moms First

Moms First partnered with MHI and McKinsey & Company on an analysis to quantify the business impact of childcare disruptions on America's foundational workforce—the nurses, retail associates, manufacturing workers, teachers, and other operationally essential employees who keep the economy running. Building on MHI's Employee Health Business Case framework, the analysis found that child care disruptions cost U.S. businesses up to $70 billion annually through absenteeism, turnover, lost productivity, and reduced workforce participation. The research also demonstrated that every childcare intervention evaluated could generate a positive return on investment for employers, reinforcing the business case for investing in childcare.

The findings were published in the Foundational Workers Report, which launched at a convening hosted by Moms First. This event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and advocates, including remarks from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Since its release, the report has helped reframe the national conversation, demonstrating that childcare is not simply a family issue, it's a business imperative. By investing in childcare, employers can strengthen workforce resilience, support working families, and drive long-term economic growth.