{"id":15464,"date":"2024-10-24T13:32:14","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T17:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthadvocate.com\/site\/?p=15464"},"modified":"2024-10-28T08:43:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T12:43:27","slug":"the-value-of-caregiving-support-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthadvocate.com\/site\/article\/the-value-of-caregiving-support-in-the-workplace","title":{"rendered":"The value of caregiving support in the workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Keri Robertson and Molly Minnick | Employee Benefit News<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An increasing number of working adults are now caring for their parents, with many also caring for their own children<\/u><\/a>, not to mention themselves. Being stretched so thin takes a toll on the caregiver’s health and personal life. Without the right support, caregiving employees<\/u><\/a> are at risk of absenteeism, presenteeism, and even dropping out of the workforce \u2014 which is costly in terms of productivity and dollars wasted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, businesses lose an estimated $17.1 to $33 billion<\/u><\/a> in additional costs per year due to lost time, with an 18.5% reduction in productivity<\/u><\/a> from time spent providing care for loved ones during working hours. While 80% of working caregivers say their responsibilities impact their productivity at work<\/u><\/a>, employers may be unaware of the strain until employees resign, often due to difficulty balancing everything. And the impact of challenges associated with caregiving can result in both physical and emotional strain as well, increasing risk for costly health problems: 40.7% of caregivers report having two or more chronic diseases<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although working caregivers face many challenges, employers can ease this pressure by providing access to resources and assistance<\/u><\/a> that can help them navigate the complexities of the system, saving them time, stress, and money so they find balance while caring for their loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges caregivers face<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A study from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers<\/u><\/a> found that the top stressor for working caregivers is the “emotional stress of handling both job and caregiving responsibilities.” The physical, emotional, and financial toll of caregiving can be steep, and caregivers face many challenges balancing their many responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time, or lack thereof, is a leading contributor to the stress many caregivers experience. Many caregivers reported just not having enough time to handle all their responsibilities, compounded by scheduling conflicts and other frequent disruptions. There are only so many hours in a day, and when caregivers put their other responsibilities ahead of their own well-being, they often do not have time to take care of themselves, further contributing to their physical and emotional stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent poll of working caregivers, Health Advocate also found that the requirements of caregiving, as well as related distractions and stress, contribute to reduced productivity at work. Respondents mentioned daily or weekly disruptions due to the need to rearrange schedules, be efficient, or handle acute situations related to caregiving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering the time commitments and unpredictable nature of caregiving, many working caregivers expressed a need for more support and resources, as well as understanding, from their employers in order to find a better balance between work and caregiving and maintain their own well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How employers can help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although employers are providing some benefits that help working caregivers, there is room to improve and expand current offerings to more effectively support these employees. For example, the Rosalynn Carter Institute study found that only half of working caregivers report having access to flexible scheduling, and even fewer say their employer provides mental health benefits like an Employee Assistance Program. In discussions with working caregivers, Health Advocate found that many would be more likely to choose a position with a company that prioritizes caregiving, offering both practical assistance like access to vetted respite care and educational resources, as well as support for the caregiver’s health and well-being such as opportunities to work with therapists specializing in caregiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers have an opportunity to introduce new services as well as raise awareness of existing programs that can support caregivers. Consider implementing and encouraging employees to utilize caregiving benefits including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n