While the current labor shortage is affecting virtually every sector of the economy, it’s nothing new to the caregiving industry. Even prior to the pandemic, demand for caregivers far outstripped the supply of available workers–and this shortage is only forecast to get worse in the coming decades. 

For your employees who double as family caregivers, this labor shortage is causing major stress, distraction, and heartache. Without home health aides, personal care aides, skilled nurses, and other types of paid caregivers, family caregivers are left scrambling as they attempt to research alternatives or care for their loved one(s) on their own. 

For employers, this means that many family caregivers who work for your organization are more stressed and distracted these days. You may have even noticed that your employees are missing work, taking a leave of absence, or retiring early to care for a loved one. 

As more and more families across the country feel this squeeze, they have no choice but to take on care responsibilities themselves. Many of these family caregivers are in the “sandwich generation” – juggling care for an older family member while raising their own children, often alongside regular job duties. 

“It’s quite burdensome because I cannot give the attention to my kids as much as I would like, and I cannot give the attention to myself as much as I would like because, for me, I put my mother and my kids before myself,” says Sabrina Chan, who cares for her mother with dementia and four-year-old twins. She’s had to quit her job to do so. 

Family caregivers put in an average of 23.7 unpaid caregiving hours per week. The extra workload is taking a toll on their physical and mental health and impacting their work life.  

Employers are recognizing the need for better solutions that support employees with all types of caregiving responsibilities, not just caring for children. According to a recent survey, most employers list caregiving as one of their top 10 priorities in health and wellness benefits. And – in a tight job market – caregiving benefits are becoming a new way for them to attract and retain top talent. 

What’s clear is that employers can be a part of the solution by offering comprehensive support for their employees who double as family caregivers. 

Ready to take action?  Excited to be a part of the solution? 

Connect with one of our caregiving benefit experts.