The majority of today’s employees are also caring for a loved one. Whether they are providing care for children, parents, spouses or even navigating their own care needs, there are a number of challenges that often accompany the journey.
This November, as we recognize National Family Caregivers Month, employers are encouraged to acknowledge their employees’ caregiving responsibilities and create an inclusive environment that supports their needs. Beyond the significant impact of employer support on the individual lives of employees caring for loved ones, that support has the ability to keep a sizable demographic of the workforce present in the workplace.
Here are a few ways employers can be part of the solution:
Make Resources Known
Many employers offer their employees a variety of wellness benefits and access to assistance programs; however, without adequate promotion of how what these resources are and how they are used, they are prone to go underutilized. In fact, most EAPs hover below a 10% utilization rate. Relieve the burden on your employees and get the most out of your benefits providers by educating your team on the tools at their disposal. Monthly email communications, newsletters, company messageboards and lunch and learn events are all great tools to keep these conversations alive.
Be Flexible
Lean into the areas where there is an opportunity to be flexible with your team. This can mean allowing leeway in start and end times or incorporating remote and hybrid workdays. The goal is to keep employees present, and a schedule that includes some fluidity reduces the chance of an employee needing to choose between work and their caregiving responsibilities.
Encourage Dialogue
One of the best ways to address a problem is to talk about it. Create a safe space where employees feel invited to express their needs, and where they can feel confident those needs will be acknowledged. This can be in the form of an Employee Resource Group (ERG), or a simple open-door policy. Find what works best for your team.
Check In
Employees may not always be forthcoming with the challenges they are enduring—at work or at home. While it is important to respect each employee’s boundaries, don’t be afraid to check in. It can be a time to discuss an employee’s current workload, areas they feel they need support or a general wellness check. Opening the door to the conversation will keep you looped into the wellness of your team and allow you to make adjustments in the workplace before they become a problem.
Along with these ideas, there countless other ways to support employee caregivers. Use this National Family Caregivers Month to get the conversation started.
When you’re ready to learn more about how Cariloop’s qualified Care Coaches guide employees through their caregiving journeys with concierge support that fits their needs, just schedule a demo.