1 in 6 Americans Balance Work & Caregiving
53 Million Americans Are Currently Caring For An Adult
80% Of Them Admit It Impacts Productivity At Work
6 out of 10 Caregivers Are Women
*Statistics from AARP
The Facts:
There is a caregiving crisis in the U.S. For the purposes of this blog, if anyone is providing unpaid care for an adult they are part of these staggering statistics.
Caring for an adult can come through sickness or disability. The cost of caregiving comes on top of all other responsibilities in someone’s life. Many working caregivers report health problems, depression, lost time and lower productivity at work.
As business owners we may or may not know who on our team is currently caring for an adult. Because of shame and fear many consider this their "secret second job". It is an extra burden employees carry. In fact, many caregivers say that their own health suffers because of the time spent serving as a caregiver. This blog is to assist employers in building simple caregiving strategies versus responding to a crisis situation.
On average, 23.7 hours/week
are spent on caregiving tasks. Caregiving tasks include - driving loved ones to appointments, shopping, housekeeping, administering medicine, preparing meals, running errands, etc. Caregivers also face financial challenges.
The average caregiver spends over $7,000.00/year
in out of pocket expenses. Each caregiver has a unique journey.
Because of this there is not a one size fit all solution or policy.
Smaller businesses are hit hard from this crisis because of fewer staff, overlapping job responsibilities, lack of a HR department and in general fewer resources than larger corporations.
The Good News:
Caregivers provide incredible value
in the workplace.
They are driven, embrace empathy, know how to negotiate, and they are organized. All of these are transferable skills needed in most work environments.
AARP
is providing business owners practical ways to incorporate caregiving friendly policies at work.
The benefits of creating an inclusive culture for caregivers in your workplace are:
- Improved Retention & Recruitment (Be More Competitive)
- Increased Employee Productivity
- Improved Organizational Stability
- Increased Employee Morale
There are a few simple solutions to foster a caregiver friendly workplace. Your organization can become more competitive in retaining but also recruiting employees. Design workplace policies that keep caregivers in mind. It can be costly & disruptive to replace high performing team members.
Below are Caregiver Friendly Workplace Solutions:
Educate Managers On How To Be Supportive Of Caregivers
Consider Flex, Compressed or Adaptive Work Schedules
Approve Leave Of Absence Or Sabbatical
Paid Family Leave
Plan Educational Events
Reevaluate Benefits
Cross Training
Counseling & Support Services
As always, challenge every assumption you make as a business owner. Although this may not impact you directly, lean in with empathy. Listen and learn about your employees caregiving journey (if they are willing to share). Remember, not every employee has disclosed this “secret second job”. If you are a larger business caregivers could be covered under the Family And Medical Leave Act. Learn more
HERE.
Education can help destigmatize the shame and vulnerability many of these employees feel. Highlight EAP (Employer Assistance Programs) or consider investing in one as a long term strategy.
Become an advocate and safe haven for the caregivers on your team and in your community. Constantly reassess your policies as life happens fast. For more on this topic please book a complimentary consultation with
DPI.