Identifying and supporting caregivers at work

As our aging population grows, more employees will be caregivers than ever before. In fact, half of caregiving employees are in the prime of their earning years (age 46-64). It’s important to understand caregivers in the workforce, build awareness of how to identify and support them and understand the benefit to supporting employees who are caregivers.

1/4
Canadians of
employment age
are caregivers

75%
of employed
caregivers are
working full-time

1/5
employed
caregivers earn less
than $20/yr

Challenges of employed caregivers

  • Higher risk of developing depression or anxiety
  • Increased experience of social isolation and loneliness
  • Job insecurity
  • Financial insecurity
  • Lost career potential
  • Increased risk of workplace conflict

Why?

  • Can’t get the flexibility they need
  • Caregiving responsibilities are not recognized as a reason to provide accommodations
  • Can’t get the time off they need
  • Can’t get work coverage for themselves through other means

How to support working caregivers:

  • Address caregiver-friendly workplace conversations at the executive and HR level
  • Implement caregiver-friendly workplace policies
  • Empower managers with tools and skills to support caregivers
    • Needs assessment
    • Work plan
    • Regular check-ins
  • Educate your workforce about identifying and supporting caregivers
  • Create a robust compassionate leave policy
  • Be open to accommodations for caregivers such as:
    • Flexible work hours
    • Work-from-home options
    • Wellness days in addition to sick days
    • Earned days off
    • Job sharing
  • Support mental health in the workplace