HMMA Partners with TOOTRiS to Support Working Parents

New Child Care Benefits Propel Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s Commitment to its Automotive Workforce

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• Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Press Release
• Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Press Release
• New Hyundai Child Care Benefit Solution
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Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is making waves in the automotive industry with its latest partnership aimed at revolutionizing work-life balance for its employees. Teaming up with TOOTRiS, a leading provider of employer-sponsored Child Care solutions, HMMA is set to introduce innovative Child Care benefits for its workforce.

According to a press release by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, this partnership signifies a significant step forward in addressing the Child Care needs of the automotive industry workforce. By offering access to TOOTRiS’ comprehensive Child Care services, Hyundai demonstrates its commitment to supporting its employees’ overall well-being and productivity.

The Challenge: Striking a Balance Between Work and Family Obligations

For employees in industries like automotive manufacturing, striking a balance between demanding work schedules and family responsibilities is often a significant challenge. HMMA recognizes this struggle, particularly given the irregular shifts and long hours common in the automotive sector, which can make securing reliable Child Care arrangements difficult for working parents. This imbalance can lead to increased stress, reduced productivity, and lower job satisfaction among employees.

In an article by the Montgomery Advertiser, Hyundai’s commitment to its employees’ well-being is highlighted as it announces the introduction of new Child Care benefits for its workforce. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Providing access to child care for workers in today’s world, argued Reggie Williams, senior manager of human resources at Hyundai, was “essential” in improving employee retention and attraction, particularly in Alabama with its labor participation rate of 57.4%, among the lowest such rates in the country.

The Solution: Innovative Child Care Benefits

To address these challenges, Hyundai has partnered with TOOTRiS to offer a range of flexible Child Care solutions tailored to the needs of its workforce.

Under the partnership, every worker at the Hyundai Montgomery plant with a child under the age of 13 will be eligible to receive a stipend of 25% of their monthly child care costs, up to $150. HMMA employees will have access to various Child Care options, including on-site daycare facilities, subsidized programs, and a network of accredited Child Care providers.

Eric Cutler, senior director of strategic initiatives at TOOTRiS, said that beyond helping employers better retain and recruit employees, expanding access to child care would also have a “ripple effect” on the local child care community given the financial assistance and better ease of access.

“Child Care is no longer just a family issue, it’s really become a business issue; without child care, parents can’t work, without child care, parents can’t accept job promotions, they can’t accept additional shifts, and they can’t relocate,” Cutler said. 

“From a business perspective, this means a less productive workforce, this means more absenteeism, hiring challenges and less growth opportunities. “

Cutler said that more than 50% of parents require paid daycare to work, 76% of parents had used paid time off to supplement child care when it isn’t available, and that 69% of parents had said child care costs have resulted in career changes. Hyundai’s new initiative, he said, would work to remove those barriers.

According to a news release from HMMA, the decision to partner with TOOTRiS reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence, both in its manufacturing processes and its employee benefits programs. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, Hyundai seeks to maintain its position as a leader in the automotive industry while setting new standards for employee care and support.

Hyundai & TOOTRiS: In the News

The ripple effect of this partnership extends beyond HMMA’s workforce to benefit the Child Care industry in the Montgomery community. By directing Hyundai parents to local Child Care providers, the program enables these providers to thrive with full enrollments, ultimately strengthening the local economy and fostering a supportive environment for working families.

Originally published on wsfa.com on March 15, 2024.

Originally published on on March 15, 2024.

This initiative has the potential to be a game-changer for other large companies, as local business leaders recognize the positive impact it could have on employee retention and productivity. As HMMA leads the way in prioritizing the needs of working parents, it sets an inspiring example for businesses looking to create more family-friendly workplaces.

HMMA’s Drive for Excellence Extends to Employees Benefits with TOOTRiS Partnership

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) is proud to announce a partnership with TOOTRiS, the nation’s leading Child Care solutions provider, to provide Child Care Benefits to its automotive workforce. This strategic alliance underscores HMMA’s commitment to supporting its working parents and enhancing employee satisfaction, while also addressing the critical need for accessible and high-quality Child Care options.

In today’s competitive job market, providing comprehensive employee benefits has become paramount for attracting and retaining top talent. According to the latest research, access to reliable Child Care significantly influences the decision-making process of working parents. Studies from McKinsey & Co. show that employees with access to quality Child Care are more productive, experience lower absenteeism, and demonstrate greater job satisfaction. Furthermore, offering Child Care Benefits has been proven to be a key differentiator in recruitment efforts, particularly within industries like automotive manufacturing where skilled labor is in high demand.

Through this collaboration, HMMA team members will receive 25% of their monthly Child Care cost up to $150.00 per month. Team members will also gain access to TOOTRiS’ innovative platform, which allows them to search many Child Care providers in their network, choose flexible scheduling options, and see real-time inventory of available Child Care slots up to a year in advance. The innovative company is the first and only to offer employers a comprehensive turn-key Child Care Benefits platform that includes state-licensed Child Care providers, drop-in or emergency care, before/after-school programs, summer camps, tutoring, extracurricular activities, babysitters, nannies, and more.

OTHER NEWS FEATURES:

• 1819 News: Hyundai begins offering Montgomery workers subsidized child care amid UAW unionization push
• Alabama Daily News Article: Hyundai Montgomery launches ‘game-changing’ child care initiative for workers
• Alabama Advertiser Article: Alabama Hyundai to offer child care benefits ‘essential for attracting, retaining talent’
• Business Alabama: Hyundai launches child-care benefit in Montgomery

Key Quotes from Industry Leaders

“Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s decision to provide Child Care Benefits underscores their commitment to their employees and the Montgomery community. The automotive industry in our state continues to outpace industry standards, both in economic output as well as leadership in workforce development and support.”

Ron Davis, President of Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association

“Increasing the labor force participation is a major focus for Gov. Kay Ivey; programs like TOOTRiS really do make a difference. We’re hoping that other industries follow Hyundai’s lead in taking on this initiative.”

Ellen McNair, Alabama Commerce Secretary

“Access to affordable Child Care empowers parents to pursue their career goals while ensuring a nurturing environment for their little ones. The impact of that kind of support transcends the confines of the company, fostering positive growth that ripples throughout the entire community.”

Alessandra Lezama, TOOTRiS CEO and select member of the ReadyNation CEO Task Force on Early Childhood.

“HMMA and TOOTRiS’ innovative collaboration is a shining example of a company that prioritizes work-life balance and fosters an environment of support and inclusivity. We are confident that this partnership will positively impact our community by creating more opportunities for our growing Montgomery workforce. We applaud HMMA and TOOTRiS for their commitment to creating a better future for the Capital Region.”

Anna Buckalew, President & CEO, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

Setting a New Standard in Employee Benefits

Hyundai’s partnership with TOOTRiS represents a significant step forward in addressing the work-life balance challenges faced by automotive industry workers. By providing innovative Child Care solutions, Hyundai not only supports its employees’ well-being but also sets a new standard for employee benefits in the industry. As other companies take note, the automotive sector as a whole stands to benefit from a more supportive and inclusive work environment.

Benefits for Hyundai Employees:

1. Flexibility: Employees can choose Child Care options that suit their work schedules, including evening and weekend care, providing greater flexibility in managing their family commitments.

2. Peace of Mind: Knowing their children are well cared for in safe environments allows employees to focus better on their work, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

3. Financial Relief: Subsidized Child Care programs and discounts help alleviate the financial burden of Child Care expenses, making it more affordable for working parents.

Benefits for Hyundai:

1. Elevated Employee Contentment and Retention: By offering competitive Child Care benefits, Hyundai demonstrates its commitment to supporting its workforce, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.

2. Amplified Productivity: Access to reliable Child Care solutions can boost productivity by reducing absenteeism and minimizing distractions at work, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.

3. Competitive Edge: Hyundai gains a competitive edge in attracting top talent by prioritizing employee well-being and offering comprehensive Child Care benefits, setting it apart from other employers in the industry.

Discover how partnerships like this might could revolutionize the working parents life at tootris.com/employers.