With 61% of family caregivers juggling full-time or part-time jobs alongside their caregiving responsibilities, it’s inevitable that your workforce includes caregivers. These 38 million caregivers contribute 36 billion hours of care, valued at an estimated $600 billion annually. Caregivers are diverse - they represent all ages and backgrounds. Per AARP roughly 30% of family caregivers of older Americans live in a household that includes children or grandchildren. Notably, these caregivers are increasingly Gen Z and millennial carers and are highly likely to be working while performing their caregiving responsibilities.
Many of these caregivers might be taking occasional leaves to accompany a parent to medical appointments or investing substantial time coordinating healthcare for their loved ones during work hours. Some of your employees may not explicitly identify as caregivers, yet their increased communication and involvement in their loved ones' lives, along with aiding with household errands and research, reveal an unspoken caregiving role.
A workplace that prioritizes and supports caregivers not only fosters a compassionate culture but also proves to be more effective in talent retention. Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities takes a toll on the emotional and physical health of caregivers. Reports from working caregivers frequently cite emotional distress and physical health issues due to the challenges of balancing caregiving with employment. Studies indicate that 81% of workers face some form of burnout or mental health issue, and 68% say that their daily work has been interrupted by these challenges.
To attract and retain caregiving employees, a paradigm shift is essential. Offering paid time off or leave of absence is just a starting point; it's crucial to actively encourage and empower employees at all levels to utilize these benefits while providing additional support. Many caregivers find themselves isolated in their roles, lacking access to the necessary support systems. Providing access to expert assistance to guide them, coordinate care, and offer reliable information can significantly alleviate their caregiving burden.
Mellie stands ready to aid you in addressing your employer needs while offering robust support for your employee caregivers. Through our innovative platform and a team of expert care coordinators, we empower family caregivers by crafting personalized care plans, granting access to valuable resources, and delivering continuous support and monitoring. Additionally, our platform provides effective coordination and communication tools. Please contact us for more information on how Mellie can assist you.
Family members, acting as the backbone of our nation's long-term care system, often go unnoticed and lack the support they desperately need. If this trend of caregivers exiting the workforce to assume caregiving roles continues, it poses a serious threat to the nation's economic growth. Recognizing and addressing the needs of caregivers is not just a compassionate endeavor but a strategic imperative for sustaining a healthy, productive workforce.