How to support the wellbeing of workers with caregiver duties

The modern workplace is increasingly recognising the complex reality of employees who balance their professional duties with significant caregiving responsibilities at home.

Whether it's caring for children, elderly parents, or a family member with disabilities, these individuals face unique challenges that can impact their wellbeing and productivity. Supporting caregivers isn't just about offering token gestures; it requires a holistic approach that acknowledges their multifaceted needs and promotes a healthy work-life integration.

The pressures of being a caregiver while holding down a job

Caregivers often experience elevated stress levels due to the constant pressure of juggling demanding roles. This can manifest in physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. A study published in PubMed revealed that about 70% of working caregivers struggle with work-related issues, such as needing to leave work early or take time off.

A Harvard Business School survey found that 32% of US employees voluntarily left a job due to caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers face discrimination in the workplace, including being passed over for promotion, lower pay, harassment, and hostile work environments.

As a result, most caregivers find themselves forced to make significant adjustments to their professional lives in order to accommodate their caregiving duties. Rearranging work schedules becomes a common practice, with caregivers often opting for less desirable shifts or taking on irregular hours to ensure their loved ones are cared for.

Many are compelled to decrease their working hours, transitioning to part-time roles or taking on reduced workloads, which can have a direct impact on their financial stability and career progression. In more extreme cases, caregivers may need to take extended periods of unpaid leave, jeopardising their income and potentially hindering their long-term career prospects.

This juggling act often comes at a personal cost, with caregivers sacrificing their own well-being and professional ambitions to fulfil their caregiving obligations. The need for workplace support becomes crucial in mitigating these challenges and enabling caregivers to maintain a sustainable balance between their work and personal lives.

Also Read: Southeast Asian women struggle to balance work and motherhood

What must employers do?

Employers must prioritise the wellbeing of these employees by fostering a supportive and understanding environment. This can involve flexible work arrangements, access to resources like counselling or support groups, and generous leave policies that allow caregivers to attend to their loved ones without jeopardising their careers.

Recognising and valuing the contributions of caregivers is essential in boosting their morale and ensuring they feel seen and appreciated within the organisation. By implementing strategies that address both the practical and emotional needs of caregivers, companies can create a workplace where everyone thrives, regardless of their personal responsibilities.

Supporting professional workers juggling childcare and elder care requires a multifaceted approach. Here are 10 steps employers can take:

Flexible work arrangements

Offer options like flextime, compressed workweeks, telecommuting, and part-time schedules to allow employees to better manage their caregiving duties.

Generous leave policies

Provide adequate paid leave for family care, including sick days for dependents and time off for elder care appointments or emergencies.

Dependent care assistance programs

Offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) that allow employees to set aside pre-tax money for eligible childcare and elder care expenses.

On-site or subsidised childcare

Consider providing on-site childcare facilities or subsidies for childcare expenses to ease the burden on working parents.

Elder care resources and referrals

Partner with elder care agencies or provide resources and referrals to help employees find quality care for their ageing loved ones.

Support groups and counselling

Offer access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide counselling, support groups, and resources for caregivers dealing with stress and burnout.

Caregiver training and education

Provide workshops or training sessions on topics such as stress management, self-care for caregivers, and navigating caregiving resources.

Technology solutions

Explore technology solutions that can help employees manage their caregiving responsibilities, such as care coordination platforms or apps for tracking medications and appointments.

Creating a culture of support

Foster a workplace culture that values caregiving responsibilities and encourages open communication about employees' needs.

Recognising and valuing caregivers

Acknowledge the contributions of employees who balance work and caregiving and celebrate their resilience and dedication.

By embracing these steps, organisations can create a supportive and inclusive environment where working caregivers feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. This not only benefits the employees themselves but also leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved morale throughout the workforce. Investing in the wellbeing of caregivers is an investment in the future of the company, fostering a culture of empathy, loyalty, and sustainable success.