Caregiver Support
Experienced employees are increasingly being called to be caregivers to an aging parent or loved one. The balancing act of caregiving and working can be physically and emotionally tolling. Employers that offer support for employee caregivers will not only reap the benefits of a more productive and loyal workforce, but also gain a competitive edge in retaining and recruiting talent.
Assess Caregiver Support at Your Company
Take a Self-AssessmentSteps To Success
17. Recognize how many of your experienced employees have or may soon have caregiving responsibilities.
Example: Survey your experienced employees to determine what type of caregiving benefits would best support their needs.
Resource: Improving the Lives of Employee Caregivers Makes Business Sense
18. Ensure employees know how to access the benefits you offer, and the caregiving programs based in your community.
Example: Train managers on the workplace challenges for caregivers as well as the physical and mental effects of caregivers to help support caregiving employees.
Resource: Strategies to Support Working Caregivers
19. Encourage and help experienced employees develop a caregiving plan for their family.
Example: Offer information and education resources about caregiving in employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Resource: A Planning Guide for Families
20. Uphold national Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state-specific benefits as they apply to caregiving.
Example: Review your leave and flex time policies, and consider offering paid leave exclusively for caregiving.
Resource: Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace - A Practical Guide for Employers