The growing need for eldercare among aging parents is reshaping the workplace dynamic, especially for adult children who find themselves navigating full-time jobs alongside caregiving duties.
Need for Eldercare on the Rise
According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly 29 million U.S. workers now balance employment with caring for elderly family members. This dual responsibility is taking a toll—not just on the individuals involved but also on their employers.
For employees, the strain of caregiving often leads to stress, burnout, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Many workers are forced to make difficult sacrifices, such as turning down promotions, reducing work hours, or even stepping away from their careers entirely. This not only disrupts their personal lives but also creates ripple effects in the workplace.
Impact for Employers
Employers face significant challenges as well. Absenteeism, lower productivity, and turnover are direct results of employees juggling caregiving with work. The financial impact is staggering: U.S. businesses lose an estimated $34 billion annually due to caregiving-related issues, according to a MetLife study. The emotional toll on employees compounds the problem, often leading to disengagement and reduced morale.
Employers are not powerless in the face of this challenge, however. There are steps they can take to try to mitigate the eldercare challenge, and flexibility is key.
Taking Steps to Ease the Pain
Offering remote work options, flexible schedules, or caregiving leave policies can make a significant difference. Simple accommodations, such as allowing an employee to step away during the day for doctor appointments or providing access to employee assistance programs (EAP), can ease the burden. Many companies have started offering eldercare-specific benefits, recognizing the growing need to support employees through these challenges.
Beyond policies, workplace culture must shift to recognize caregiving as a legitimate challenge—not an afterthought. Training managers to understand and support employees who are caregivers fosters an inclusive environment. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of stigma.
Supporting working caregivers isn’t just an act of compassion; it’s a business imperative. By investing in solutions, employers can retain talent, improve morale, and ultimately boost productivity.
For employees balancing work and caregiving, understanding and support can be a lifeline. For companies, it’s a chance to create a workplace where everyone thrives, no matter their personal circumstances.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.