Employer Options
Family-Friendly Employer Options
Employee Assistance Programs
Providing employees with support for issues that affect their well-being can lead to increased productivity and engagement. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. Learn more here.
Flexible Spending Accounts
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a special account where employees can set-aside up to $3,200 annually in pre-tax dollars to reimburse for health related expenses. Employers benefit from the savings associated with not being required to pay FICA or FUTA on pre-tax dollars. Learn more here.
Dependent Care Assistance Plans
Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) enable employees to put aside up to $5,000 annually in pre-tax dollars to be used to reimburse child care expenses. Employers benefit from the savings associated with not being required to pay FICA or FUTA on pre-tax dollars. Learn more here.
Working Remotely (Telecommuting)
The U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey conducted between October 18 – October 30, 2023 found that 22.5% of South Dakota parents with children under age 18 are working either entirely remotely or in some type of hybrid manner. Gallup polling shows that highly engaged workplaces claim 41% lower absenteeism and 21% higher profitability.
Predictable Scheduling
A 2021 Bipartisan Policy Center survey of parents with children under age 6 found that 29% of parents had 2 weeks or less advance notice of their work schedule. When parents have sufficient notice or a set schedule, it makes balancing work and family easier, including scheduling child care for times when they need it.
Flextime
Multiple surveys show that workers would leave a job for one that offers a flexible schedule. Offering flexible schedules can be a recruitment and retention tool for employers.
South Dakota Employer Child Care Champions
(Statewide Child Care Business Collaborative)
A guide that helps employers and child care providers navigate potential child care solutions and support opportunities.
Pioneer Bank & Trust
Pioneer Bank & Trust in the Black Hills offers each of its employees $5,000 to pay for licensed child care.
First Interstate Bank
First Interstate Bank in Sioux Falls contributes $1,500 annually for each child up to $4,500 a year.
Ellsworth Air Force Base
Ellsworth Air Force Base is partnering with community-based child care centers to increase employee recruitment and retention. Ellsworth AFB also partners with home-based providers to increase the availability of child care.