Archana Verma
Swati Jain, Director, The Banyan talks about the importance of daycare facilities for the working women
On challenges faced by working women without corporate daycare
Working women in India often face significant hurdles when corporate daycares are unavailable. The lack of accessible, reliable childcare forces many to make tough choices between their careers and caregiving responsibilities, leading to increased stress and reduced productivity. Without onsite facilities, women may rely on informal, often unregulated care options, which can compromise safety and quality. This gap also contributes to higher attrition rates, as balancing work and family becomes a juggling act. Addressing this challenge requires employers to rethink workplace policies, fostering a more inclusive environment that supports working parents.
The absence of corporate daycares disproportionately affects women in lower-income brackets, limiting their participation in the workforce. Transportation challenges, long waitlists for preschools and a lack of flexible care options further exacerbate the issue. Innovative solutions like partnerships with local childcare providers, subsidised care programmes, or hybrid work models could alleviate these pressures. Ultimately, supporting working women isn’t just about equity, it’s about unlocking economic potential.
On future of early childhood development industry globally
The global early childhood development (ECD) industry is poised for transformation, driven by growing recognition of its societal and economic impact. By 2030, we expect increased integration of technology, with AI-powered learning tools and hybrid models enhancing accessibility and personalisation. Governments worldwide, including India’s push through NEP 2020, are prioritizing universal access to quality preschool education, emphasizing play-based and skill-focused curriculums.
A key trend will be a shift toward holistic development, blending cognitive skills with emotional and social learning. Sustainability and inclusivity will shape curriculums, preparing children for a rapidly changing world. The rise of Edutech platforms will complement traditional preschools, offering flexible, scalable solutions, especially in underserved regions. However, ensuring equitable access and maintaining quality standards will remain critical challenges as the industry scales.
On the benefits of onsite childcare for employees and employers
Onsite childcare offers tangible benefits for both employees and employers. For employees, it reduces logistical stress, enhances work-life balance; and boosts productivity, knowing their children are nearby and cared for. This support particularly empowers working women, increasing retention and job satisfaction. Employers gain from reduced absenteeism, higher engagement and improved talent attraction, as onsite care becomes a sought-after perk.
From an organisational standpoint, corporate daycares foster a positive workplace culture, enhancing loyalty and morale. Companies with childcare programmes often see improved diversity metrics, as parents-especially women feel more supported in their careers. While initial setup costs exist, the long-term ROI includes lower turnover, better focus and a reputation as a family-friendly employer. It’s a win-win investment in human capital.
On how technology and innovation can transform early childhood education
Technology holds immense potential to revolutionise early childhood education (ECE) by making learning more engaging, personalised and accessible. AI-driven platforms can adapt content to each child’s pace, offering interactive experiences that complement traditional play-based learning. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools can bring stories and concepts to life, sparking curiosity in young minds.
Innovations like smart classrooms and IoT enabled monitoring can enhance safety and provide data-driven insights for educators, helping tailor interventions. However, the key is balance, using technology as a supplement, not a replacement, for human interaction. Edutech solutions can also bridge gaps in rural areas, offering quality content to underserved communities. The future lies in responsible integration, ensuring ECE remains child-centered, playful, and nurturing while leveraging tech for efficiency and outreach.
Disclaimer – The views expressed in this post are those of the spokesperson. This website and its Editor do not collaborate with the spokesperson in any way. The readers are urged to follow their own discretion while taking any decision regarding the information given in this post, as this website and its editors take no responsibility for any subsequent events.
Global Perspectives... 