The Caregiving Crisis: A Growing Problem for Employers

Sky-high numbers of carers are resigning from their jobs as the demands for looking after loved ones becomes too much to juggle. Employers that can provide better supports can retain these valuable employees with dual responsibilities, but many aren’t.

It’s telling that we all know of someone that is juggling an elderly parent or relative while trying to keep down a job at the same time. We also all know the crippling costs of nursing home fees which are increasingly out of touch with the cost of living and annual wages. For many, there is no choice but to continue the juggle of keeping their loved ones in their own homes and providing them with round the clock care to ensure they are looked after. Yet mortgages and rents need to be paid too, and that’s just the basics, so for many it is both a conflict and a constant source of anxiety and worry.

The Strain of Juggling Work and Care

Latest reports show that the numbers providing informal care across the UK is surging and has risen by 700,000 since the pandemic to a six year high of 5.2 million in 2022 according to the Department of Work and Pensions. And according to Carers UK’s State of Caring 2023 survey, as many as two in five (40%) employees with unpaid caring duties are quitting their jobs altogether. The feeling that ‘it’s getting too much’ is both totally understandable and a worrying sign that something needs to give but isn’t.

The cycle of life means that just as our parents looked after us when we couldn’t feed ourselves, we in turn look after them towards the end of their lives when they become less independent.

The Need for More Support

Currently there is no entitlement to paid leave for caring duties. The Carer’s Leave Act, which became law on April 6 this year, gives carers the legal right to five days of unpaid carer’s leave. It comes very short of what most carers need which is more time and to be paid too.

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK says the first thing to do is to be open about your situation, which can only occur if there is a culture in which employees feel safe talking about what is going on in their personal lives. “Carers need to feel confident to talk about their caring role at work, to know that they have the support, understanding and flexibility needed to juggle unpaid caring responsibilities with paid employment. Over half of carers (57%) who stop working or reduce their hours do so because of the stress of juggling work and care, leading to a reduction in income, and reduced pension entitlement which increases the risk of poverty later in life.”

The Impact on the Economy

The loss of skilled workers due to caregiving responsibilities is a significant economic burden. The UK government has recognized the need for greater support for carers, but more needs to be done to ensure they can continue to contribute to the workforce.

What Can Employers Do?

Employers can play a vital role in supporting their employees who are carers. Here are some key steps they can take:

1. Offer Paid Carers’ Leave: Introducing flexible, paid leave for workers with adult dependents would help put a dent in Britain's high rates of economic inactivity.

2. Create a Supportive Workplace Culture: Employers should foster a culture where carers feel comfortable talking about their responsibilities and asking for the support they need.

3. Offer Flexible Working Options: This can include flexible hours, remote work, or compressed workweeks, allowing carers to better manage their responsibilities.

4. Provide Financial Assistance: Employers can offer financial assistance, such as childcare subsidies or eldercare assistance, to help carers manage the costs associated with caregiving.

5. Offer Resources and Information: Providing access to resources and information on caregiving, such as support groups or online resources, can help carers feel less alone and more equipped to handle their responsibilities.

The Future of Caregiving in the Workplace

The challenges faced by carers in the workplace are complex and multifaceted. But by working together, employers, policymakers, and individuals can create a more supportive environment for carers, allowing them to continue to contribute to the workforce while managing their caregiving responsibilities.

By embracing the needs of carers, employers can reap significant benefits, including improved employee retention, a more diverse workforce, and a stronger bottom line.