Caregivers Alberta understands the impact caregiving can have on an individual’s professional life. The strain of caregiving can impact an individual’s employment, including absenteeism, reduced hours and exiting the workforce.
Resources for Employers
Work & Care Program
Work & Care is a Caregivers Alberta program that creates awareness of the challenges experienced by employees with caregiving responsibilities, while assisting employers in helping to support these employees in their workforce.
We provide:
- Programs and presentations for staff and management
- Information and resources for supervisors, HR professionals, employee wellness groups, and others
- Up-to-date materials on best practices
- Customizable options for your organization
Please visit the Work & Care web portal to:
- Learn why it makes good business sense to support your caregiving employees
- View sample policies
- Download toolkits & guides
- Read the latest news on work and caregiving
- Access up to date referral guides
- Find out how you can support the caregivers in your workforce
The Work & Care project was funded by the Status of Women Program.
Request a workshop at your organization
Would you like Caregivers Alberta to share our expertise with you and develop a personalized presentation?
If you have any questions about what kind of presentations we offer, feel free to call us at 1-877-453-5088.
For presentations, please submit requests at least two months in advance. A Caregivers Alberta staff member will contact you within one week from the submission date to further discuss your request.
Business case for supporting caregivers
Caregivers assist family members or friends who have challenges resulting from a disability, illness or aging. Supporting your caregiving employees can make a sustainable, positive impact for your organization. And, as the Canadian population ages, a greater proportion of the workforce will have significant responsibilities for providing care. There are benefits to retaining skilled employees rather than recruiting and training new staff.
Employer obligations to caregiving employees
Creating a psychologically healthy and safe workplace
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed a Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace standard. Launched in 2013, this voluntary standard specifies requirements for a documented and systemic approach to develop and sustain a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.
- Download the Assessment and Control of Psychological Hazards in the Workplace
- Download the Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace standard
- Download the Implementation Guide
Caregiving without jeopardizing work status is a human right
Section 7 of the Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination due to family status, this means employers have a legal obligation to accommodate employees if possible. Family status protection includes those who are obligated to care for disabled, severely ill or or elderly family members. The Canadian Human Rights Act covers this as well.
- Download the “Human Rights, Family Status, Caregiver Responsibilities and the Workplace” (Vanier Institute)
- Download A guide to Balancing Work and Caregiving Obligations
Resource Guides
- Employer Resource Guide: Four Steps for Supporting Employees With Caregiving Responsibilities
Source: ReACT Respect A Caregiver’s Time, Corporate Leadership for Employee Caregivers
- Toolkit for Employers: Resources for Supporting Family Caregivers in the Workplace
Source: Family Caregivers’ Network Society
- Supporting Working Caregivers
- Caregivers in the Workplace Guide for Employers
- Standard for Workplaces: Carer-Inclusive and Accomodating Organizations
- Implementation Guide: Helping Worker-Carers in Your Organization
Source: McMaster University, Gender Health and Caregiver Friendly Workplaces