Every day, millions of people juggle work with unpaid caregiving responsibilities, whether for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or a child with special needs. Yet, most workplaces still lack the policies and support structures needed to help employees balance these caregiving responsibilities.
Supporting Working Caregivers
The 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report highlights just one segment of the issue: over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, contributing 18 billion hours of labor annually, valued at USD$339.5 billion. But caregiving responsibilities extend far beyond dementia care, impacting employees across all industries and life stages. In the UK, one in seven UK employee balance their jobs and caregiving duties. Between 2010 and 2020, people aged 46-65 made up 41% of new unpaid carers, underscoring their expanding role in families and society (UK). This shift highlights the urgent need for greater recognition and support for their essential contributions.
Caregiving isn't easily compartmentalised, nor should it be. Rather than being a private, personal challenge, it affects all aspects of someone's life, including the workplace. The statistics show the toll caregiving takes on employees:
- 57% of working caregivers adjust their schedules—arriving late, leaving early, or taking time off.
- 18% take a leave of absence.
- 16% reduce their hours, moving from full-time to part-time.
- 9% leave the workforce entirely.
- 6% retire early due to caregiving demands.
Without proper employer support, caregivers face burnout, financial instability, and lost career opportunities. In turn, businesses lose experienced talent, face higher turnover, and struggle with lower engagement and productivity.
What Employers Can Do to Support Caregivers
1. Flexible Work Arrangements
Offering remote work, flexible schedules, and hybrid options can help employees balance caregiving duties without sacrificing their careers.
2. Paid Family Leave for Caregivers
Many companies provide maternity/paternity leave, but paid caregiving leave remains rare. Expanding paid leave policies to include caregiving responsibilities prevents employees from choosing between work and family.
3. Mental Health & Financial Support
59% of caregivers report high emotional stress, and 38% experience financial strain. Employers can offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), peer support groups or Employee Resource Groups (ERG), and financial planning resources to ease these burdens.
» READ MORE: What is an Employee Resource Group and why do companies need them?
4. Care Navigation & Legal Assistance
Employees managing eldercare, disability care, or medical care often struggle with insurance, legal, and healthcare navigation. Employers can provide access to caregiving experts, legal advisors, and resource guides to help employees manage these challenges.
5. Subsidised Care Options
Some forward-thinking companies are investing in on-site daycare for children and eldercare assistance to support employees at every stage of caregiving.
6. Support Policy & National Advocacy
Legislation like the RAISE Family Caregivers Act is pushing for workplace protections for caregivers, but employer adoption remains slow. Companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way, proving that caregiver-friendly policies can benefit both employees and the business.
» EXPLORE: All of PepTalk's Caregiving speakers
Learning from Experts: Key Voices in Caregiving
Bringing in caregiving speakers and experts is one of the most effective ways for organisations to educate leaders, HR teams, and employees about the realities of unpaid caregiving and its impact on the workforce. Here are three leading voices in the caregiving space:
Baroness Susan Greenfield, Neuroscientist & Researcher
Susan Greenfield is a leading neuroscientist and researcher specialising in brain health and the science of caregiving stress. She offers insights into how prolonged caregiving impacts mental and physical health, helping organisations design data-driven workplace policies that support caregivers while maintaining productivity.
⮕ Meet Susan Greenfield
Elizabeth Miller, Happy Healthy Caregiver
Elizabeth Miller, creator of Happy Healthy Caregiver, advocates for workplace wellness programs tailored to caregivers. She shares practical strategies for balancing work, self-care, and family responsibilities, ensuring employees can be both present at work and effective in their caregiving roles.
⮕ Meet Elizabeth Miller
Syreeta Challinger, Caregiver, Creative Consultant
Navigate life's challenges and embrace change authentically with Syreeta Challinger, speaker, founder of MOSS and Leaven, and advocate for resilience. Her journey took a dramatic turn in 2014 when her partner, Rob, faced a life-altering brain haemorrhage. Since then, Syreeta’s work has inspired countless individuals to harness their power in overcoming personal challenges, making her a sought-after speaker and advocate for resilience and forging a growth mindset.
⮕ Meet Syreeta Challinger
Joeli Brearley, Founder, Pregnant Then Screwed
Joeli Brearley is the founder of the charity and campaign group, Pregnant Then Screwed which she established in 2015 after her own experience of pregnancy discrimination. In January 2021 she took the Government to court for indirect sex discrimination due to the way self employed mothers were being financially penalised by the income support scheme.
⮕ Meet Joeli Brearley
Rianna Patterson, Researcher, Dementia Activist and Changemaker
Rianna Patterson, champions dementia awareness in Caribbean communities. As a PhD candidate at Nottingham University and founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation, she leverages youth-led initiatives, impactful documentaries, and international advocacy to create understanding and action.
⮕ Meet Rianna Patterson
Penny Wincer, Author, Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring
Penny Wincer is a caregiver, writer, and speaker, whose book Tender explores the emotional and financial realities of caregiving. She speaks on how businesses can foster a culture of empathy, inclusion, and support for employees navigating unpaid caregiving responsibilities.
Unpaid caregiving is multifaceted, representing a personal, societal and workplace challenge. Employers who take action will retain experienced staff, improve morale, and build a more inclusive workforce. By implementing family-friendly policies, learning from leading caregiving experts, and acknowledging the financial and emotional weight of caregiving, companies can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable, compassionate workplace.
If your company is looking to better support caregivers, consider hosting a keynote speaker like Susan Greenwood, Elizabeth Miller, Rianna Patterson or Penny Wincer, or to start the conversation.
» READ MORE: Explore top Caregiving keynote speakers
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