ATLANTIC CITY — Today, the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare officially launched, bringing together some of the state’s most influential business organizations and employers to address childcare as a critical workforce and economic issue.

Advised by Moms First, the statewide, business-led coalition includes the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Hackensack Meridian Health, Bally’s and other leading New Jersey employers.

The Council will give businesses a collective platform to make the economic case for childcare, share how childcare challenges are affecting their workforces and bring the voice of business into conversations about the state’s economic future.

Research from Moms First, conducted in partnership with McKinsey & Company, estimates that New Jersey businesses lose $2.28 billion annually due to childcare-related absenteeism, turnover and lost productivity.

Employers are seeing those disruptions firsthand: In a recent Moms First survey of New Jersey employers, nearly 85% reported being aware of employees requesting schedule changes, reducing their hours or taking leave because of childcare disruptions.

At the same time, 70% of New Jersey children age 5 and younger live in households where all available parents are in the workforce, while the state faces an estimated 18% gap between childcare supply and potential need.

Center-based childcare costs New Jersey families nearly $18,000 per year.

For employers competing for talent, those pressures can translate directly into when employees can work, how much they can work and whether they can remain in the workforce.

“New Jersey employers are focused every day on attracting talent, retaining great employees and building the workforce our economy needs to grow. Childcare is increasingly part of that equation. NJBIA is proud to champion the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare and bring employers together around an issue with real implications for our workforce and our state’s economic competitiveness,” said Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

The Council launches at a tipping point. Across the country, business associations and employers are increasingly using their collective voice to make childcare a workforce priority, helping build momentum for state investments that expand access to care and strengthen local economies. Now, New Jersey’s business community is stepping up to do the same.

“Childcare is a workforce and economic issue. When employees cannot access reliable, affordable childcare, businesses feel the impact through workforce participation, productivity, retention and economic growth. The launch of the Business Council for Childcare is an opportunity to bring employers to the table, elevate their voice and work together on solutions that strengthen New Jersey’s economy,” said Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Sen. Andy Kim also welcomed the Council’s launch and commended its business leadership in prerecorded remarks delivered at NJBIA’s Women Business Leaders Forum.

“In New Jersey, childcare is more than a social issue or a personal problem. It’s also a huge economic issue that costs New Jersey businesses $2.28 billion each year. In order to reach New Jersey’s full economic potential, we must recognize the issues holding us back, especially [in] our workforce,” said U.S. Sen. Andy Kim.

Founding members span industries, employer sizes and workforce models and include NJBIA, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Hackensack Meridian Health, Bally’s, Berjé, ZAGO Manufacturing Co., Switlik Survival Products and WorkDynamX.

“Healthcare depends on people across the care system — from physicians and nurses to administrators and environmental services teams — and childcare challenges can affect employees in every role. As one of New Jersey’s largest employers, we’re proud to join the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare and elevate childcare as an important issue for the strength and stability of our workforce,” said Linda McHugh, EVP, Chief Experience and People Officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.

"Through research, employer storytelling, peer engagement and public-private dialogue, the Council will help business leaders share their experiences, learn from peers and engage with state leaders about the relationship between childcare, workforce participation and economic growth. Rather than prescribing a single employer benefit or policy solution, the Council will build a collective business voice around childcare as essential workforce infrastructure."

“Businesses do not need to have childcare figured out to have a voice in this conversation,” said Meredith Lipnick, Director of Private Sector Strategy at Moms First. “This is a shared workforce challenge that no employer can solve alone. By bringing together New Jersey’s business institutions and employers across sectors and sizes, we can build the collective business voice needed to move the issue forward.”

The New Jersey Business Council for Childcare is actively welcoming additional New Jersey employers and business leaders to join its growing coalition. Businesses interested in joining or learning more can visit njbusinessforchildcare.com or email Meredith Lipnick at meredith@momsfirst.us.

Additional Founding Member Perspectives

Switlik Survival Products
“Switlik is proud to join the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare as a founding member. We look forward to learning from fellow employers, childcare advocates, and community partners as we work to better understand the connection between childcare access and workforce participation. As a manufacturing employer, we believe these conversations are important to the long-term strength of New Jersey's
workforce and economy,” said Sarah Switlik, President, Switlik Survival Products.

WorkDynamX
“I chose to become a founding member of the NJ Business Council for Childcare because I see the childcare challenge from two very real perspectives. As a mom, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be for families to find childcare that is accessible, reliable and affordable. And through my work in HR and recruiting, I see how often childcare impacts a parent’s ability to accept a job, return to work, maintain consistent employment or advance in their career. I also see the difference employers can make when they understand those challenges and create workplaces that support working parents. Childcare isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workforce and business issue, and I’m proud to be part of a group working to create meaningful solutions for New Jersey families and employers,” said Kristi D’Angeli, Chief Executive Officer, WorkDynamX.

Berjé
“Childcare is one of the most significant workforce issues employers face, and Berjé has pursued solutions on multiple fronts, from exploring an on-site facility to working with our city and county. We’re pleased to join the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare because we believe that by combining our efforts, we can help drive lasting change,” said Elene Costan, Chief People and Process Officer, Berjé.

Zago Manufacturing
“As a manufacturer, we know that changes in where and how we operate can have ripple effects for our employees and their families. Reliable childcare is part of the infrastructure that helps people navigate those changes and remain in the workforce. ZAGO is proud to join the Council to learn alongside other employers and help strengthen New Jersey’s workforce,” said Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, Chief Executive Officer, ZAGO Manufacturing Co.

The New Jersey Business Council for Childcare is an initiative of Moms First, an affiliate of the National Business Coalition for Child Care,  and is made possible through generous support from The Burke Foundation and the Turrell Fund.
About the New Jersey Business Council for Childcare

The New Jersey Business Council for Childcare is a statewide coalition of employers and business organizations working to establish childcare as a core workforce and economic priority for New Jersey. The Council equips business leaders with data, peer connections and opportunities to use their experience and influence to build a collective business voice for affordable, accessible childcare and a stronger New Jersey economy.

About Moms First
Moms First is fighting for America’s moms. Our mission is to win paid leave and child care as economic imperatives that allow families to thrive. Our vision is a country that values motherhood and supports moms and families.

Learn more at momsfirst.us.