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Looking to gain a competitive edge when trying to attract and retain top talent? Take a look at how your organization supports employees who foster and adopt.  

According to the Life Insurance and Marketing Research Association’s (LIMRA) latest benefits survey, 63% of workers say their current benefits package makes them at least somewhat likely to remain with their employer, and 40% say it makes them considerably more likely to stay in their current job. And the Society for Human Resources Management’s (SHRM) 2024 survey reveals that “among family-friendly benefits, adoption benefits are particularly inexpensive because few employees ever use them, but these benefits also offer employers a chance to build reputations for being considerate to employees and the community.” 

Each year, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption surveys the nation’s employers and publishes a 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list. Increasingly organizations are also incorporating foster parent leave into their overall paid leave program and offering them the same amount of time paid off as adoptive and biological parents.  

Dave Thomas, founder of the Foundation who was adopted, believed providing adoption benefits was simply the right thing to do. Leadership from organizations on the 2024 Best 100 list echo that sentiment.  

Capital One 

“At Capital One, we’re proud to offer adoption benefits that provide our associates with the opportunity to live the life they’ve imagined. From financial support through our Adoption Reimbursement program, to emotional support through our Adoption Connection community, we provide a variety of valuable resources for associates wanting to start or grow their family. Additionally, parental leave benefits are available to adoptive parents to take time away and enjoy this special time.” — Pam Ventura, Vice President, Benefits and HR Services, Capital One  

Expand Energy (formerly Chesapeake Energy) 

“We are dedicated to empowering and supporting employees in all areas of their lives, and this honor underscores our commitment to their well-being.” — Toni Parks-Payne, Vice President of Human Resources, Expand Energy 

Fifth Third Bank

“Growing a family looks different to different people. That’s why we recently increased our adoption reimbursement to $15,000 per adopted child, with the ability to use the benefit up to three times. We’re pleased to offer employees a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that supports their families and their overall well-being.” — Nancy Pinckney, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fifth Third Bank 

Hilton Grand Vacations

“Our mission is to ‘Put People First,’ and we’re committed to offering best-in-class benefits to attract, develop and engage top talent. This benefit, along with our comprehensive parental leave program, reflects our company’s family-first culture, and we hope it will continue to encourage our team members to pursue their personal dreams.” — Pablo Brizi, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer & Corporate Affairs, Hilton Grand Vacations 

Olympus Corp. of the Americas

“Our adoption benefits are part of a broad global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that includes support for all caretakers. We are proud to offer these benefits so that employees can focus on family when it matters most as Olympus is an employee and family supportive destination for future employees.” — Stacey Morey, Vice President Human Resources, Olympus Corp. of the Americas 

QBE North America

“We are proud to once again make the list of adoption-friendly workplaces because supporting parents and parents-to-be, no matter how they grow their families is a strong aspect of our culture at QBE. Our Adoption Assistance Program underscores QBE’s commitment to offering meaningful support when employees open their hearts to adoption.” — Joy Matthews, VP Total Rewards, QBE North America 

Ziff Davis

“Ziff Davis is committed to supporting our employees and their families through our inclusive benefits, initiatives and programs. Supporting our adopting families is one step forward toward impactful change.” — Michelle Dvorkin, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ziff Davis 

Getting Started with Adoption Workplace Benefits

If your organization doesn’t yet offer these benefits, get the conversation started by downloading the Adoption-Friendly Workplace employer toolkit. And if benefits are already in place, invite your HR Benefits Manager to register for the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace survey now for the chance to be recognized and gain valuable benchmark reports to inform your policy. 

By offering best-in-class benefits, organizations can demonstrate the importance of being equitable to all the ways families are formed. 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national, nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s^® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA.