It's hard enough for parents to find childcare. Paying for it consistently becomes even more complicated.

In Portugal, this has been a problem for years. Without places in the social sector, parents turn to the expensive private sector, while the government tries to open up places in public nurseries - where getting a place remains "a national drama". But it's not just in Portugal.

Faced with fees that reach over nine thousand euros - one of the most expensive systems among developed countries - some American parents struggle daily to obtain childcare services that they can actually afford.

On average, a couple with two children spends more than 30% of their income on childcare, according to a February 22 report by Bank of America. Only New Zealand has a more expensive childcare system than the US, in a list in which Portugal is well placed, in 24th place out of 30 countries analyzed, according to OECD data.

Staying at home to look after children often ends up being the only solution: a last resort that hurts both employees and employers.

Now, some small businesses in the US are trying to help and, at the same time, prevent employee turnover.

Childcare... in the café
Establishments such as cafés and restaurants have started providing childcare services in the workplace to retain their employees.

"It's just amazing. I don't know what we'd do without it," confesses a father who works in a café in Virginia to The Wall Street Journal.

The 31-year-old was even forced to quit his job because of the long distance he had to travel to take his son to nursery school; now he has been able to return to the same job, since "he's right next door", in a facility owned by the café itself, which charges just two dollars (€1.84) per hour per child. "Our son loves it and I never worry about him," she told the newspaper.

A win-win strategy
Companies that have adopted the innovative measure - or at least offer subsidies that cover childcare expenses - have seen an increase in employee recruitment and retention that they say offsets such costs, according to a report by Moms First, an organization that advocates for corporate policies that support employed parents.

Companies involved in the study saw positive returns on investment of up to 425% by offering childcare, according to a quote from Business Insider. With reliable and affordable childcare, 86% of working parents were more likely to stay with the company. They were also more productive and reduced their absences from work by an average of 16 days a year.

The benefit that pays for itself and increases worker productivity
Working parents with childcare benefits are more likely to stay at their company long-term and miss fewer days of work.
InsiderAllie Kelly

At the same time, for the employee, the service provided by the company increases earning potential and career progression, according to the same study. Among employees, 78% said that childcare support has a positive impact on their careers. The majority, according to the study, said they felt happier and more satisfied at work.