Caregiving is time-consuming and distracting
Caregiving involves more than just taking phone calls. Survey respondents report spending more than two thirds of their caregiving time grocery shopping, driving to doctor appointments and other services, performing housekeeping tasks, arranging or preparing meals, and assisting with medications.
Caregiving is a multi-year commitment
Caregivers who also work report caring for their loved one for multiple years. This means that many employees are facing chronic stress related to caregiving, which is likely having a growing impact on their physical and mental well-being.
While this has been an issue for some time, the results of this year's survey reveal that it is becoming even more of a challenge.
Employees are becoming more vocal about caregiving
Great news! There’s been a 65% increase in the number of employees who have spoken with their supervisors about their caregiving responsibilities. Companies continue to realize the importance of openly talking about caregiving in the workplace.
Is your immediate supervisor aware of your caregiving responsibilities?
Supervisors remain less supportive than hoped
About half of employees report that their supervisors are supportive of their caregiving role. This is a vast improvement from previous years. Leaders have become more compassionate and have prioritized employee well-being and mental health.
However, we still have work to do. About half of those we surveyed still report their supervisors are either somewhat or not at all understanding of their caregiving responsibilities.
Caregiving responsibilities can negatively impact work
Unfortunately, caregiving responsibilities can’t wait until the workday is over. Even those who don’t think of themselves as primary caregivers often perform activities that impact their work performance. Roughly 30% of respondents report leaving work early, missing days of work, rearranging work schedules, responding to calls or emergencies during work hours, and/or using breaks or lunch times to complete caregiving responsibilities. And sadly, more than half of respondents worry their caregiving responsibilities are or may soon negatively impact their job performance.
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30%
of employees report impacts on work, including leaving work early
56%
of employees worry caregiving will negatively impact their job performance
The disconnect between supply and demand remains
The need for employee benefits that support caregivers is growing. Nearly two thirds of respondents believe their employer should offer such a benefit and 85% would take advantage if they did. However, only a third of survey respondents have access to such a benefit through their employer. Fortunately, this is up 15% from last year, meaning more employers are seeing the need and acting. Unfortunately, 33% is just not enough to meet the need and demand.
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64%
Of employees feel their employer should offer a caregiving benefit
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85%
Of those surveyed would take advantage of this benefit if it was offered
Caregiving benefits matter to employees
Employee caregivers are no longer silent and no longer willing to go unnoticed and unsupported. Astoundingly, more than half of respondents would consider leaving their current employer for one that offers a caregiving support benefit to help reduce their load. With the current pressures on HR leaders to hire and retain great employees, this is even more proof that now’s the time to implement benefits that support this growing population.
Would you consider leaving your current employer for one that offers a benefit to help make your caregiving responsibilities easier and reduce your load?
