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. Review this sample employee assistance program policy template.
Flexible Spending Accounts
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a special account where employees can set-aside up to $3,300 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. Review this sample dependent care assistance plan policy template.
Working Remotely (Telecommuting)
The U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey conducted between August 20 - September 16, 2024 found that 32% 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. South Dakota State University has a remote work and alternative work schedule policy.
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. South Dakota parents working at Walmart have at least two weeks’ notice of work schedules, which makes balancing work and family easier.
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. The South Dakota Board of Regents has a flex-time policy for parents working at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, South Dakota State University, South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, South Dakota Services for the Deaf, University of South Dakota, and the Office of the Executive Director.
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.