KPMG enhances parent and caregiver benefits

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for everyone, and it is a significant concern for parents and caregivers, particularly as the new school year begins with virtual and hybrid learning models.

To support the overall well-being of KPMG professionals and their families, the firm introduced several enhancements to its caregiver benefits and new resources.

Newly enhanced offerings

• Increased back-up care uses:  To provide more flexibility when an employee’s customary child/elder care falls through, the firm has quadrupled the number of total back-up care uses per dependent) for the 2020 calendar year. For those eligible, five additional days of infant back-up care are available.
• Expanded access to discounted tutoring, academic support, and homework assistance (Pre-K through 12th grade): With exclusive discounts, KPMG professionals now have expanded access to live and virtual tutors and national providers of academic support. The offerings include online academic and test prep tutoring in a private or formal setting, with one-on-one and small group options available.
• Expanded network of child care centers: Discounts can now be accessed at over 2,000 child care centers nationwide. Employees also have preferred enrollment access at select centers.
• Launched an innovative collective and customizable learning experience for school age children: Given disparate schooling models at the local level, many parents are looking for other channels to supplement their children’s learning experience. Through learning pods, KPMG professionals can pool with other parents to find educators to guide in-home or virtual learning for small groups of children (ages 5-18). This is an innovative way to engage children, accommodate their unique learning styles, and meet budgets and schedules.

These enhancements build upon the family care solutions already provided, which include discounted nanny placement, tutoring and caregiver databases, and virtual learning experiences. In addition, in March the firm expanded its paid leave policy to help people who may have unexpected issues related to the COVID-19 virus that prevent them from working, such as caring for themselves or family members. This leave time is above and beyond any leave to which they otherwise may be entitled.

“Since the start of the pandemic we’ve made a concerted effort to stay in touch with our people through regular check-in surveys and focus groups so that we can keep abreast of how they’re doing and what additional support or resources they may need," said Darren H. Burton, Vice Chair, Human Resources at KPMG. "One of the things we heard loud and clear is that while work-life balance is a challenge for everyone right now, it’s a particularly significant concern for parents and caregivers as the new school year begins amid so much uncertainty. Once we heard this, we went right to work to identify ways we can provide assistance, by enhancing some of our existing benefits programs and introducing new ones.” 

In the coming weeks, KPMG will also be introducing several other new and enhanced benefits, including:

• Expanded work/life coaching offerings that include coaching for employees with teenage children, facilitated group coaching sessions to connect parents/caregivers for information sharing and learning, and workshops on topics like developing helpful new habits, exploring strategies for career advancement, and utilizing well-being;
• Mindfulness resources, including experiential sessions, on-demand videos and guides to support the emotional well-being of parents and caregivers and help build resilience to meet the increased pressures they are experiencing as a result of the pandemic;
• Increasing the number of free counseling sessions available through the firm’s Employee Assistance Program; and
• A college coaching program providing guidance for selecting a college in the COVID environment, personalized guidance from college admissions and finance experts, and essay writing support.

KPMG also recognizes that formal programs and benefits can only do so much, and that many people, regardless of whether or not they’re a caregiver, have challenges managing their workload during these challenging times. The firm is looking at ways to further promote and embrace the use of flexibility programs to help people more effectively manage personal and professional responsibilities.