A growing number of UK employees are taking leaves to care for family.
- Over half of UK workers say caregiving responsibilities affect their careers.
- Millennials report significant career impacts due to family caregiving duties.
- Many workers experience impaired concentration and loss of sleep from caregiving.
- Employers are urged to provide better support for caregiving staff.
The increasing need for caregiving has led UK employees to take an average of six days off work annually to attend to their loved ones, whether through sick leave or unpaid leave. Notably, millennials, who form a core part of the workforce, have been significantly impacted by these responsibilities, as caregiving for parents, grandparents, siblings, and children has affected their professional lives.
Over half of the workforce (51%) acknowledges that their careers have been influenced by multigenerational health responsibilities. For millennials aged 25 to 44, this impact is felt acutely, with about 40% reporting career setbacks due to caregiving obligations. Furthermore, 14% of employees report that caregiving duties hinder their ability to concentrate at work, a figure that rises to 18% among millennials, indicating the substantial impact of family responsibilities on workplace performance.
The Bupa Wellbeing Index highlights that nearly half of the workforce suffers from sleep deprivation due to concerns over family health and wellbeing. This has further repercussions on job performance, as well-rested employees are generally more productive. The index also suggests that women face particular challenges, with 25% noting that caregiving has negatively impacted their career advancement.
Social aspects of work life are not immune to these influences. One in seven employees have missed work social events due to caregiving responsibilities, a proportion that increases to one in five for millennials. This absence not only affects networking and career development opportunities but also contributes to a diminished sense of community within the workplace.
In response to these challenges, there is a pressing need for employers to offer comprehensive support to staff balancing work and family obligations. Providing flexible working arrangements and access to private health care are among the top priorities for employees seeking new job opportunities. Employers are encouraged to recognise the pressures faced by caregivers and implement supportive measures to foster a thriving workforce.
Addressing caregiving challenges is crucial for enhancing workforce productivity and well-being.
