The value of caregiving support in the workplace

An increasing number of working adults are now caring for their parents, with many also caring for their own children, 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 are at risk of absenteeism, presenteeism, and even dropping out of the workforce — which is costly in terms of productivity and dollars wasted. 

In fact, businesses lose an estimated $17.1 to $33 billion in additional costs per year due to lost time, with an 18.5% reduction in productivity from time spent providing care for loved ones during working hours. While 80% of working caregivers say their responsibilities impact their productivity at work, 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.

Although working caregivers face many challenges, employers can ease this pressure by providing access to resources and assistance 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.

Read more:  Cancer survivor and caregiver: The workplace benefits that supported this VP

Challenges caregivers face

A study from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Read more:  Cancer survivor and caregiver: The workplace benefits that supported this VP

How employers can help

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.

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:

• Nurse coaches to help families and their loved ones coordinate care, research providers, prepare for appointments, and track treatments, among other critical assistance
• Benefits experts who understand the complexities of health coverage and assist with sorting out billing and claims issues, clarifying coverage, and accessing other benefits to ensure continuity of care
• Legal and financial help to help navigate tax questions, estate planning, powers of attorney, managing life transitions, and more
• Physical and mental well-being support and tools to manage the stress, depression, and common feelings and challenges that can happen when a loved one ages
• Professional caregiving resources to aid in tracking down required equipment and other necessities and locating and arranging assisted living or home care, support groups, and other valuable services.

Providing these and other related solutions can make a big difference in the lives of working caregivers and their loved ones.

Read more:  Caregivers are unprepared for the reality of retirement

The positive impact of employer support

Research points to rapidly growing demand for eldercare and other caregiving assistance through employers, growing 177% from 2020 to 2023, emphasizing the value of providing robust support for working caregivers. Preliminary results from a forthcoming survey indicate that having access to resources to help balance all of their responsibilities can save caregivers time and money, not to mention improving their stress levels, productivity, and overall well-being. 

As an example, a caregiver recently contacted Health Advocate for help finding a provider for their parent, who has been diagnosed with dementia. The doctors they contacted had no availability for six months, so Health Advocate helped them find an in-network primary care provider with experience caring for patients with dementia. The Personal Health Advocate then coordinated with the new provider to discuss and set up next steps, including Skilled Home Care and other therapies and treatments. 

This is the first step in creating a team to support both the caregiver and their parent and ensure they get the full range of necessary care. The team may expand to include community resources and respite options, financial and legal consults, Medicare and Medicaid experts, and others to help create a robust plan of action. 

While every situation is different, this journey represents what many caregivers experience. Without any support or planning, everyone is left floundering or waiting until crisis mode to figure this out. By providing access to resources like those listed here, employers can provide the caregivers in their workforce with a network to care for both them and their loved ones, reducing the burden on their shoulders.  

When working caregivers feel supported and have access to tools and resources to help them navigate the challenges associated with their multitude of responsibilities, they are more likely to take care of themselves, be productive at work, and feel connected and loyal to their employers. Providing help for working caregivers is critical, and employers are poised to have a positive impact on the well-being of their employees and their loved ones.