The latest joint research highlights a pressing issue: working carers often lack the support they need from employers while balancing their dual roles.
- An estimated 3 million individuals in the UK juggle paid work with caring responsibilities for family members, impacting their own well-being.
- Carers report feeling unsupported and isolated at work, which exacerbates the challenge of maintaining employment alongside caregiving.
- The introduction of flexible working rights aims to alleviate pressures, yet many workplaces have not adapted adequately.
- Emphasizing the importance of creating carer-friendly workplaces is crucial for retaining talent and reducing stress.
Joint research from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion and My Family Care underscores a critical issue faced by workplace carers: the absence of adequate support from employers. With approximately 3 million people in the UK balancing employment and caregiving for relatives, this demographic equates to one in seven of the workforce, necessitating urgent attention. Carers’ dual responsibilities often lead them to feel overwhelmed and undervalued.
According to a survey by Carers UK, more than 4,500 respondents rated their workplaces as the least supportive in their communities. A spokesman for Carers UK highlighted the increasing need for work environments to accommodate the growing number of carers, driven by demographic changes such as the rising pension age and an aging population. The lack of support pushes many carers to the brink of leaving their jobs. Over 50% reported that caring responsibilities made it difficult to perform their work duties, with nearly 75% indicating a detrimental impact on their well-being.
The stress associated with caregiving, both physical and emotional, can result in feelings of isolation and neglect among carers. Therefore, fostering supportive workplace networks could mitigate these effects through measures like appropriate leave provisions and flexible working arrangements. A workplace that embraces flexibility greatly boosts employee retention.
Since June 2014, all employees with at least 26 weeks’ service have been entitled to request flexible working. Initially limited to certain groups, this statutory right now encourages a variety of working styles including part-time, flexi-time, or remote options. Employers need to justify refusals of such requests, highlighting the shift in workplace dynamics toward accommodating carers. These flexible arrangements are beneficial in maintaining carers’ employment.
The report by Carers UK, as highlighted by Ben Black of My Family Care, reveals the diversity in carers’ roles, often unnoticed due to the personal nature of their responsibilities. Companies are encouraged to proactively engage with employees to unearth these hidden responsibilities and prevent talent loss. Adrian Lewis from Codel Software emphasizes the effectiveness of remote working solutions in fostering a supportive environment for carers. A structured system to manage work locations is vital for maintaining motivation and reducing absenteeism.
Incorporating supportive measures for carers in workplaces is indispensable for employee retention and organizational success.
