High childcare costs are keeping many parents out of the workforce in Montana. Childcare expenses are so high that many workers are choosing to stay at home and take care of their children instead of using childcare. To combat this loss in the workforce, companies are beginning to offer daycare and childcare services for parents. Some companies are providing childcare to increase their retention rates and retain quality employees. However, most companies haven’t implemented childcare programs, and are dealing with a shortage of workers. Montana Child Care Business Connect along with the Montana health department are working with various businesses in hopes of providing employees with childcare resources.
See "Montana is experiencing declines in the labor force due to expensive childcare ", Kelsey Merison, KTVQ, June 21, 2023