Employee Benefits News speaks to HR leaders and Benefits Specialists around the world on why it doesn’t matter what your workforce looks like, you have employee caregivers who need help. This article features Cariloop’s CEO, Michael Walsh, discussing the impact of caregiving in the workplace and expanding the conversation beyond just offering paid leave. If you would like to learn more about how Cariloop’s Caregiver Support Platform® could help support your employees, schedule a demo.
More companies offer paid leave to caregivers
The employee benefits world continues to recognize the impact of offering caregiving benefits in the workplace. More employers are introducing paid leave benefits that can be used to spend time with a newborn, or care for an aging or sick loved one. Research from Genworth, the National Business Group on Health and MetLife all confirm that caregivers in the workplace are facing challenges ranging from absenteeism, presenteeism and emotional distress to physical health issues and financial burdens. Employers are beginning to take notice and are trying to support their caregivers by offering paid leave.
Why it might not be enough
Having to report a reason for time off acts as a barrier to many caregivers. Caregiving is an emotional matter and the details are often painful or embarrassing to discuss, particularly at work. Most caregivers want to be able to keep their work and home lives separate, even at a time when caregiving is taking over every aspect of their lives. Caregivers may also feel pressure to remain at work and not use their paid leave. Underused paid time off is a common problem, especially in America. A study by the U.S. Travel Association found that 52% of Americans did not use all of their PTO in 2017. Another study reported that 18% of those who didn’t use their time off blame a heavy workload. Caregivers may find catching up on work too overwhelming, so they go to work stressed, tired, distracted or sick..
Even with paid leave, caregiving still takes a toll mentally, emotionally and physically. Time is always a helpful asset when tasked with taking care of a loved one, but time does not guarantee that caregivers will find solutions to their challenges while away from the office. Without proper support, time away from the office means more time for caregivers to worry about their loved ones rather than being present. If employers want to keep caregivers in the office without feeling preoccupied and overwhelmed, they should consider adding more than just time.
Click here to read the full article. Originally posted by EBN.
