Employers are facing increasing pressure to support employees with caring responsibilities, which are more common than often acknowledged.
- Research indicates significant gaps in employer support for carers, impacting millions in the UK workforce.
- An ageing population and pension changes are increasing the need for workplace flexibility for carers.
- Carers experience detrimental effects on health and job security without adequate support.
- Flexible working offers potential benefits but uptake and awareness are still inadequate.
Employers are increasingly called upon to recognise and support the vast number of employees juggling work and caring responsibilities. Research from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei) and My Family Care highlights that many carers remain unsupported by their employers, although they constitute a substantial portion of the workforce. Many individuals depend on unpaid carers to manage daily life, and their absence can directly affect the well-being of those they care for.
Surveys by Carers UK reveal a pervasive lack of carer-friendly workplaces. Over 4,500 carers have rated their workplace unfavourably regarding support. A spokesman from Carers UK emphasised the pressing need for workplaces to evolve into carer-supportive environments, especially with societal shifts such as rising retirement ages. The additional strain of balancing care and work responsibilities can lead to carers exiting the workforce entirely.
Feedback from carers underscores the negative impact of insufficient workplace support on their mental and physical health, with many reporting feelings of isolation and exhaustion. A supportive work environment, including flexible leave and work hours, is crucial to maintain employment. Carers who receive such accommodations are more likely to continue their employment, which benefits both the caregiver and the employer.
Since the introduction of ‘Flexible Working’ legislation in 2014, which grants employees the right to request flexible working arrangements, there has been a push to make work environments more adaptable. Although employers must accommodate these requests, they often face challenges in implementing such policies unless they have robust systems in place. The ability to work flexibly can significantly alleviate the stress faced by carers, improving productivity and job satisfaction.
Ben Black of My Family Care noted the wide-ranging and diverse nature of caring responsibilities and the importance of employers actively engaging with their workforce to understand these needs. Without this engagement, employers risk losing valuable talent. Similarly, Adrian Lewis of Codel Software highlighted the advantages of flexible work arrangements, including lower absenteeism and higher morale among staff who benefit from work-life balance initiatives.
Employers must adapt to meet the needs of carers to retain talented staff and enhance workplace well-being.
