Nearly 5.5 million Americans say they’re unable to work because they’re caring for children, according to estimates from a recent U.S. Census Bureau survey. The Manufacturing Institute’s “Workforce in Focus” newsletter says 78,000 U.S. workers were forced to be absent from work in July due to a lack of childcare options, the most since October 2022. The Institute has spotlighted manufacturers that are utilizing creative solutions to address the childcare challenge. 8/16/2023