Imagine juggling a full-time job with the responsibility of caring for a loved one. This is the reality for millions of Americans, and according to a recent Securian Financial survey, 78% of caregivers expect their employers to provide benefits and resources to support them.

The survey dives deep into the challenges faced by working caregivers, highlighting the impact caregiving has on various aspects of their well-being:

  • Mental Wellness: 57% of caregivers reported feeling the strain on their mental health.

  • Financial Wellness: Over half (54%) of caregivers say caregiving has negatively impacted their finances.

  • Social Wellness: The ability to maintain social connections suffers as well, with 52% of caregivers reporting a decline in their social life.

  • Physical Wellness: Nearly half (45%) of caregivers experience physical health issues due to caregiving demands.

  • Work Performance: Unsurprisingly, 37% of caregivers say their caregiving responsibilities affect their work performance.

The Need for Employer Action

The message is clear: caregivers need support. The good news is that many employers are already offering benefits that can make a significant difference, with personal time off (PTO), flexible work hours, and flexible work locations being the most highly utilized.

But there's more that can be done. The survey also identified some key areas for improvement:

  • Raising Awareness: Many caregivers (20%) are unaware of the resources available through their employers.

  • Privacy Concerns: A quarter (24%) of caregivers hesitate to utilize benefits due to privacy worries.

Recommendations for Creating a Caregiver-Friendly Workplace

Here are some suggestions for employers looking to better support their caregiver workforce:

  • Empathy and Understanding: Compassion and flexibility go a long way.

  • Schedule and Location Flexibility: Offering flexible work arrangements can significantly ease the burden on caregivers.

  • Caregiver Education: Organize workshops or information sessions to educate employees about available resources.

  • Benefits Communication: Clearly explain benefits and how they can be used to support caregiving needs.

  • Confidentiality Assurances: Reassure employees that their privacy is protected when using benefits.

  • Employee Resource Groups: Create safe spaces for caregivers to connect and share experiences.

The Future of Caregiving in the Workplace

With the aging population, the number of working caregivers will continue to rise. By implementing these recommendations, employers can create a more supportive work environment, fostering a sense of loyalty and well-being among their caregiver employees.

Lavine LTC Benefits Can Help

At Lavine LTC Benefits, we understand the challenges faced by caregivers.  We work with businesses to design customized long-term care insurance plans that can provide valuable support to employees.

Let's work together to create a future where workplaces are supportive of caregivers!