Supporting Working Parents and Caregivers

Balancing the demands of a career with raising children or caring for family members can be a challenge. Whether you have employees who have recently become parents or caregivers, or you need to accommodate those who have been caring for kids for years, providing resources comes with a lot of advantages. Keep reading to learn more about supporting working parents and caregivers, as well as why doing so is worth it to your organization.

An Inside Look at Working Parents

Over 40 percent of the workforce between the ages of 20 and 54 is working parents. More than 53 million Americans report providing unpaid care to a member of their family, and nearly two-thirds of those caregivers are also working.

Those who give care to children or adults while juggling work responsibilities and deadlines often experience struggles. Burnout, lost income, higher stress levels, and emotional exhaustion are all examples of what may be impacting your team members who also provide care. Approximately 32 percent of workers have left their jobs voluntarily to manage caregiving responsibilities.

What Happens When Employees Lack Support

These challenges are difficult to navigate, but coupling them with the stresses of professional life can cause some individuals to feel completely overwhelmed and unable to continue. High employee turnover rates are common in workplaces where caregivers don’t receive adequate support. Unfortunately, low retention costs a company a lot of money in recruiting and hiring costs, as leaders are constantly trying to fill vacated positions.

Working parents and caregivers may also be more burned out, which leads to higher absenteeism rates. Burnout can also cause a drop in workplace morale, as can high turnover. Creating a supportive atmosphere for all members of the team, including those who are caring for others at home, can boost the culture and contribute to positive effects. Lower turnover rates, improved productivity, and a lower risk of burnout are just a few examples.

Resources for Working Parents and Caregivers

As you consider how to support your team members who are also balancing giving care to loved ones, think about offering some or all of these resources.

Care services

Employees who are also providing care to their children or other members of their family need support. Childcare costs are on the rise, and finding a provider can feel impossible on its own. Some employers provide access to backup childcare, while others offer financial support through tax-free accounts or stipends to pay a backup childcare provider when other options aren’t available.

Paid time off

Providing access to paid time off might seem like a given, but roughly one in four American workers does not receive any PTO. Offering a generous PTO policy that includes options for sick time can be a differentiator, helping to set your company apart among current workers and jobseekers.

Some states require the provision of paid sick leave. Make sure you’re up to date on what’s required to stay compliant in your state.

Flexible scheduling

This benefit isn’t a good fit in every situation, but flexible scheduling can make a big difference for caregivers. Kids and adults in need of care may require assistance at specific times, like school drop-offs and pickups or medication administration. Giving workers the option to pick a more flexible schedule offers the support needed to balance both roles.

Supporting Working Parents with Valuable Resources

Working parents can contribute a lot to a team. They are often known for their resilience, as they have to come up with creative solutions to problems as they arise. Parents also lead their families, which helps them develop skills that improve their capabilities as team leaders and managers. A parent may also juggle multiple roles on the regular, and will typically gain the skills needed to stay calm, even when things around them get chaotic.

Offering resources designed for supporting working parents and caregivers to support them can greatly benefit your organization. Not only will it establish a supportive culture that draws top talent, but it also ensures that these hardworking individuals have what they need to succeed. Higher retention rates, improved productivity, and a boost in morale can all come along with efforts to provide ongoing support.