Caregiving Is A Corporate Issue
As Americans age in this country, caregiving for loved ones is becoming much more of an issue especially for employers. Today, seven out of 10 caregivers work full- or part-time. This number represents 15 percent of the work force. Pew Research recently released research that showed 42 percent of Gen Xers are sandwich generation caregivers—those that have children still at home and aging parents they care for. This isn’t just an issue for Boomers but one facing all Americans.
Employees face many challenges in the work force doubling as a caregiver at home. Caring for a loved one isn’t an especially joyful event. Workers are coming into the office tired instead of refreshed. Another concern for employees is labeling themselves as a caregiver for fear their employer might find a reason to terminate their employment. Lastly, some caregivers don’t want to carry the label of “caregiver” simply because they want to be known as doing the right thing and being a “good son or daughter”.
There is a huge shortage of caregivers in the U.S. with the Bureau of Labor Statistics claiming 1.3 million new caregivers are needed over the next decade. Employers are beginning to adjust by offering services for their employees to take advantage of. Here are some simple steps employers can take to help their employees:
- Offering an environment where they can speak freely to HR staff or supervisors. Employers are beginning to offer an environment where caregivers can speak openly about their challenges at home.
- Flex time or telecommuting options. Many more companies are now offering these two options to help ease the stress for some caregivers at home.
- Offering support groups. Employers are now offering on-site support groups or offering online options for their employees.
- Employee wellness programs. The American Psychological Association is working with companies to provide relaxation classes and training for their employees. Some companies are offering mediation rooms.
- Employee assistance and education programs. These programs offer long-term care benefits to help families emotionally and spirituality.
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