Balancing family and career is increasingly challenging, especially for employees who are caregivers. With caregivers making up 73% of the workforce, employers must recognize and support this significant group.
Cariloop’s Senior Director of Data and Analytics, TC Riley, recently sat down with Philly SHRM to discuss more on the HR Fresh Take Podcast.
In addition to the speakers sharing their personal experiences as caregivers, they also discussed some key points including:
- Caregiving goes beyond parenting. It includes caring for elderly loved ones, disabled relatives, and friends in crisis.
- Supporting caregivers is not only compassionate but also strategic. It enhances productivity and employee retention by reducing absenteeism and presenteeism.
- Flexible work policies and caregiver-specific benefits foster a supportive workplace culture, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce.
- Employers must prepare for demographic shifts, as by 2030, there will be more individuals over 65 than under 18, increasing elder care responsibilities.
- Many caregivers do not identify as such, limiting the support they receive. Employers should create environments where employees feel comfortable discussing their caregiving roles, offering resources and fostering open dialogue.
Helping the caregivers in an organization is essential for creating a sustainable, productive workforce. By acknowledging and supporting diverse caregiving responsibilities, employers can build a loyal and efficient team.
To learn more about how you can support caregivers in your workplace and the benefits it brings, listen to the full HR Fresh Take Podcast Episode.