Let’s Talk about Caregivers

SHRM published an article last month on the importance of supporting employee caregivers.  Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 employees is a caregiver outside of their work life?  (You can read the article here.)  As with most things in the world of work, there are some larger companies offering paid benefits and support for those employees who are caregivers.  Most smaller organizations don’t offer such benefits.  I did appreciate the author listing ways all employers can support their caregiver employees without breaking the bank: verbalize the value, be flexible, explore EAP benefits, provide listings of free local and national resources, and initiate support groups.  It was a well-researched and well written piece on a topic that is incredibly important but often overlooked. 

I was happy to see this article but reading it was difficult.  Why?  Because I’m a caregiver.

I have two daughters, Avery and Emily.  Emily just turned 12 and she is in the fifth grade.  She is on the autism spectrum and has intellectual disabilities.  (Wow, it’s been 12 years and it’s still hard to type those words.)  Emily is a sweet girl who loves everything Disney, playing outside, and riding her bike.  She loves watching the Buckeyes on tv with me and would spend every day in a pool if she could.  From a cognitive perspective, Emily is essentially a toddler and will be for the foreseeable future.  She requires constant care.  Some days are easier than others; we are often exhausted, both mentally and physically.  To say this has been difficult for our family is an understatement. 

Does this part of my life affect me at work?  Absolutely.  And especially since the pandemic.  We lost after-school care for Emily, so flexibility for both me and my husband has been key.  Being able to work remotely has been a huge blessing.  I am grateful for the understanding we have been shown in our workplaces.  It is not an easy topic to discuss.  However, I know not all caregivers are afforded graciousness by their employers. 

My friend Jon Hyman, employment and craft beer attorney, recently posted on his blog about the increase of illegal discrimination toward caregivers in the workplace as a result of the pandemic.  Employers, take notice!  (You can find Jon’s awesome blog here – https://www.ohioemployerlawblog.com/2022/03/just-because-caregiver-isnt-protected.html)  The EEOC provided updated guidance just this past week.  If you are not paying attention to this issue, I strongly suggest you look into it.  Train your managers accordingly. 

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the issue of caregivers in the workplace will only expand and grow.  Many employees are taking care of parents and grandparents while maintaining their regular lives (and jobs!)  Others are taking over care for children in their families.  People do what they have to do to provide care, but I can tell you firsthand it is a grueling and expensive endeavor. 

To my fellow HR pros, I ask that you consider the impact of caregivers in your employee population.  Are you aware of who is a caregiver?  Are you and the managers in tune with the needs of these individuals?  Consider what you can do to show empathy and provide support.  I promise you it is much appreciated.