Cariloop’s CEO and Co-Founder, Michael Walsh, is interviewed by Jean Hanvik about the complexities of caregiving and how employers can help relieve the stress and anxiety of caring for a loved one while working a full-time job. Cariloop was the winner of The Action Group’s Innovator’s Showcase at the 2018 Annual Employer Leadership Summit.
JH: We know that caregivers carry a heavy burden as they struggle to balance their careers and the needs of their own families with the demands of caring for their loved ones. What is the greatest risk they are facing while caregiving?
MW: I’m not sure there is one single risk. Caregiving can have serious health, financial, emotional and professional consequences for the caregiver. Complicating matters even further, caregiving is a totally different ecosystem, leaving caregivers floundering to navigate an overwhelming and fragmented system.
JH: Caregiving programs come in all shapes and sizes. How do you counsel employers about what will work best for their organizations?
MW: A sound framework built around improving emotional wellness, boosting productivity, and managing absenteeism is a great starting place. In June 2018, we released a white paper with project partners Facebook and Chicken Soup for the Soul, titled “Taking Care of Caregivers: Why Corporate America Should Support Employees Who Give Their Hearts and Souls to Those in Need.” Not only do we outline the business case for change, we also offer a number of case studies and action steps for employers. From elementary (e.g., ask employees a lot of questions about their needs — and listen), to advanced (e.g., find strategic partners in the marketplace who are willing to be disruptive innovators), there are action steps and programs for every type and size of employer.
Takeaway #1: Caregiving can have serious health, financial, emotional and professional consequences for the caregiver.
Takeaway #2: There are many ways employers can help employee caregivers by improving emotional wellness, boosting productivity, and managing absenteeism.
Takeaway #3: Forward-thinking companies are introducing caregiver platforms that offer navigation, resources, support, telehealth options, referrals and other tools to help working caregivers plan for and manage these transitions in life.
Click here to read the full article. Originally posted by Minnesota Health Action Group.