Education Programs Key to Retaining and Attracting Talent for Companies

EdAssist by Bright Horizons’ “Smartest Employer Spotlight” Highlights Programs Impacting Employees’ Career Mobility 

May 27, 2025 – Frontline workers make up roughly 70% of the United States' workforce and are an integral part of our economy. Yet, they're often overlooked when it comes to meaningful investments in their learning and development. When you consider that 71% of hourly employees are interested in developing new skills, but nearly half of them worry they won’t have their employers’ support, it’s not surprising to learn that according to McKinsey the number one reason frontline workers leave their job is career development.

In its most recent “Smartest Employer Spotlight,” EdAssist by Bright Horizons, a leading provider of workforce education solutions, is recognizing a select group of employers that have long been committed towards supporting their employees – especially those on the frontline – through robust education benefits. The companies recognized in this year’s spotlight include: Comcast NBCUniversal, GlobalFoundries, Papa Johns, and T-Mobile.

These employers offer comprehensive and effective education benefits, with a focus on making those education programs accessible and affordable for employees. These programs include free or no cost degrees, career pathways and/or student loan repayment, to further support their employees’ education and career advancement.

“We’re currently at an inflection point, where companies will need to engage workers differently to attract and retain talent. Best-in-class organizations like those highlighted in our Smartest Employer Spotlight, who can create programming that engenders loyalty amongst their employees – particularly learning and development opportunities that allow workers to gain new skills and expertise required as business needs change – will be those that see the most future success,” said Diane Bartoli, Senior Vice President of EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

EdAssist partners with employers to create education assistance programs for employees that support both their career growth and financial well-being. The education programs offered by these “Smart” employers are critical to employee retention efforts, especially workforces that include a significant number of frontline workers.

EdAssist’s criteria to make the “Smart” list included: 

• Availability of education benefits for both full- and part-time employees, including frontline workers
• Education options that include a variety of both degree and non-degree programs
• Access to success coaches to help employees navigate skills-based and degree-granting educational options and to guide employees along their journey to completion
• Demonstrated commitment to removing barriers to education by offering pre-paid tuition to alleviate employee out-of-pocket expenses and by reducing student loan debt to ensure equity across employees

For more information on EdAssist by Bright Horizons’ education assistance and student loan service options, visit BrightHorizons.com/EdAssist.