Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (2004)

An analysis conducted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power showed that 35% of the work force sampled regularly missed work due to a range of childcare problems, and that estimated losses in salaries and benefits were in excess of $1 million. In response to this problem and growing customer service challenges, the department launched the Work and Family Life Program. It offers a wide range of services to support its employees. LADWP offers subsidized childcare, parenting workshops, resource library, “birth alert” beepers, expectant parent services, fathering support, “healthy start” lactation program with an on-site lactation consultant and fully equipped lactation rooms. Since its inception, staff has served 25% of the total workforce and 64% of the targeted employees with dependents. 86% of employees served reported that the Work and Family Life Program eased their transition back to work; 71% said they took less time off since participating in the program; and 83% agreed LADWP was an excellent place to work.