Ice Cream Shop Subsidizes Employee Childcare

Molly Moon Neitzel, founder and CEO of Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream in Seattle, provides employees with up to $1,000 monthly per child for childcare costs. Neitzel initiated the benefit after recognizing the financial burden of childcare was hindering talented employees, particularly mothers, from pursuing management roles. The program reimburses childcare expenses up to $12,000 annually until a child enters kindergarten, and $4,200 per year after that for camps.

The company analyzed the program's return on investment with Moms First, finding that reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and improved employee retention more than offset the costs. Neitzel notes the benefit also attracts applicants and fosters loyalty, with some employees citing the childcare program as a reason to stay with or join the company.

Beyond the financial benefits, Neitzel shares that the program has even influenced employees’ family planning decisions. She believes the impact on employees’ wellbeing is immeasurable and represents a core value of her business.