5 Ways Organizations Can Better Care for Their Caregivers

Being a caregiver is a labor of love…and it can also be a very taxing job. Adding work and other family responsibilities to that can make things even more challenging. According to a recent study, 73% of employees (3 out of 4) report having some type of caregiving responsibility. Those responsibilities extend not only to partners and children, but also to aging parents or other elder family members who have short- or long-term limitations due to illness, injury or disability.

Being a caregiver to another person in need, whether it’s for an ageing parent, a child with special needs, or for a partner struggling with health issues, can strain even the most energetic, resilient employees. Our caregiver colleagues provide care not just for the physical needs of their loved one(s), but they also give a lot mentally and emotionally. Because of this, many employees with caregiver responsibilities are on the brink of burnout and support from their employer would really mean a lot.

From a productivity perspective, any type of burnout hampers how well employees perform their jobs and engage with their colleagues. But there are actions inclusive organizations can take to better support caregivers, helping them to better manage their workload and wellbeing and to feel like valued and respected members of the team.

1. Promote a Culture of Empathy and Respect

Above all, employers should promote a culture of empathy and respect for everyone in the workplace. Organizational level efforts for caregivers begin with educating employees about what caregivers do and the challenges they face. Creating policies and procedures that cater to caregivers’ needs, including flexible leave policies and accommodations for employees with caregiving responsibilities, is also part of the process of truly how companies can better care for their caregivers. When caregivers feel understood and appreciated at work, they’ll be more likely to show up authentically, perform at their best, and contribute to a positive work environment.

2. Offer flexible work arrangements.

One of the best ways to support caregivers is to offer flexible work arrangements. This could mean anything from allowing employees to work from home on days when they need to care for a loved one, to offering extended leave for those who are providing long-term care. When caregivers experience that their employer is willing to work with them, they’ll be more likely to stay with the company and be present and productive when they are at work.

3. Encourage the use of EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs).

The purpose of employee assistance programs (EAPs) is to provide employees with help with their personal and work-related challenges. The counseling services offered by many EAPs can prove helpful to caregivers who are struggling to manage their work and home obligations. Teams should encourage employees caring for loved ones to take advantage of their EAP benefits and let them know there is no shame in seeking help.

4. Establish an ERG just for the caregivers in your organization.

The creation or strengthening of an Employee Resource Group for Caregivers is an excellent way to provide support to caregivers, especially if they have the choice to take part virtually or in-person. Start by identifying someone to lead the group who is also a caregiver themselves, and with their input develop a structure that would help to facilitate ongoing conversations among caregivers. A Caregivers ERG can be one of the best ways for leaders to find out what caregivers truly need (versus assuming) to do their best work so that they can support them accordingly. Just as important, an ERG provides a sense of belonging, community, and a way to multiply the impact of caregivers on a company.

5. Provide career coaching as a benefit.

When caregivers don’t have the flexibility and support to balance family needs with work demands, organizations lose talent – and people don’t meet their potential. But when caregivers are provided the resources and resilience skills to navigate complex life-stages as they integrate their professional and family lives, they are more likely to sustain their performance and productivity and continue to advance in their careers.

Caregiving responsibilities present both emotional and practical challenges for your employees. Career coaching with Talking Talent can help them navigate these challenges. Our coaches help caregivers develop the strategies they need to plan for the future and build the resilience they need to adjust to their unique role as a caregiver and professional. We tailor our program to accommodate specific situations, such as being a caregiver while working, finding sustainable working patterns, building support networks, and managing emotional wellbeing. Talking Talent’s Working Parents & Caregivers Coaching can help your organization better support caregiver employees, click here to learn more

It’s not easy to juggle the demands of work and caregiving. But when organizations can demonstrate (not just vocalize) support for what caregivers are facing and offer them solutions, it creates a more positive work experience for everyone.

Ready to better support the working caregivers in your organization? Get in touch.