Balancing caring and career: A guide to supporting carers in the workplace
The introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act this month marks a significant milestone in the journey of caring, highlighting the importance of organisations supporting carers in the workplace and individuals to better balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
There are 2.3 million workers with unpaid caring responsibilities in the UK faced with dual roles of caring for loved ones while pursuing a professional career. As HR, DE&I and L&D professionals, recognising and supporting employees who are also unpaid carers is not just a matter of compliance, but a step towards nurturing a more inclusive, empathetic, and productive work environment. Supporting carers in the workplace is more important and inclusive than ever before.
Focussing on the often-hidden talents of carers in the workplace
Carers develop an extraordinary set of life skills through their caregiving responsibilities that can greatly benefit their professional life. Recognising and leveraging these skills can significantly enhance workplace dynamics and foster a culture of support and understanding.
Here are the top ten skills that carers often bring to the workplace:
- Resilience: Facing daily challenges head-on, carers develop an unmatched resilience that helps them navigate workplace stress and adversity with grace.
- Problem-solving: Regularly in situations requiring immediate action, carers are adept at tackling problems effectively and efficiently.
- Conflict-resolution: Dealing with difficult situations is part of a carer’s daily life, equipping them with the patience and skills necessary for resolving workplace conflicts.
- Patience: The art of self-control and maintaining composure in adversity is a trait finely honed by carers.
- Empathy: Carers have a deep understanding of the needs of others, making them excellent at fostering teamwork and collaboration.
- Time management: Juggling caregiving duties with other responsibilities, carers excel at managing their time efficiently, a skill highly valuable in any professional setting.
- Communication: The need to coordinate with various professionals makes carers exceptional communicators.
- Leadership: The leadership skills developed through caregiving arise from a combination of empathy, resilience, and the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Relationship management: Building and maintaining trusting relationships is at the heart of caregiving, translating into strong interpersonal skills in the workplace.
- Work/life balance: Carers understand the importance of balancing work tasks and personal life, ensuring productivity while also caring for their own well-being.
Supporting carers in the workplace by navigating the challenges faced
Despite their invaluable skills, carers often encounter obstacles that can impact their work-life balance. Elderly care, in particular, can be a solitary and demanding journey, with fewer opportunities for community support compared to parenting for example. The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, leading to increased isolation and a shift towards remote work, which, while offering some flexibility, also presents difficulties in separating work from caregiving duties.
In a recent news article, Lara, a 56-year-old partner in a law firm, illustrates the complex realities faced by working carers. Lara brought her mother to live with her after a stroke. “It’s possible for me to go a full day without talking to anybody in real life other than my family, but with an immobile parent, a busy husband and teens on their phones, it’s not always very sustaining.”
The shift to remote work, while initially seeming beneficial, has led to increased domestic responsibilities, and reduced social interactions, highlighting the need for workplace strategies that support carers’ wellbeing and professional development.
A new era of support for carers
In a landmark move, the Carer’s Leave Act 2003 has now introduced new rights for 2.3 million workers in UK with unpaid caring responsibilities. Eligible employees are now entitled to up to five days of unpaid leave annually to provide or arrange care for someone with a long-term care need. This leave can be taken in full days, half days, or as a block of five days, offering flexibility to balance work and caring responsibilities.
Importantly, employees taking this leave will be protected from dismissal and other employment-related penalties, aligning these rights with other forms of family-related leave. This legislative change is a significant step towards recognising and supporting the dual roles many employees navigate, providing them with more time and protection to help fulfil their caregiving responsibilities without fear of jeopardising their employment.
How HR, DE&I and L&D Managers can further support carers
Beyond complying with the new legislation, HR managers can take proactive steps to support carers in the workplace:
- Implement flexible working arrangements tailored to the needs of carers.
- Considering offering paid leave for carers.
- Establish support networks for carers to share experiences and strategies.
- Ensure carers have access to professional development opportunities
- Offer specialised coaching to empower carers navigate the unique challenges they face, enabling them to achieve a more effective balance between their caregiving responsibilities and professional goals.
- Equip managers with the skills to support their teams effectively, to nurture a culture of understanding and empathy within the workplace.
- Maintain open lines of communication, offer a platform like a carers network, for carers to express their needs and concerns.
By embracing these strategies, organisations can create a supportive environment that acknowledges the contributions of carers and addresses their unique challenges. Supporting carers in the workplace is not only beneficial for the individuals involved but also enhances the overall workplace environment, making it a more supportive, understanding, and resilient space for everyone.
For organisations looking to make a real difference in the lives of their employees who are working carers, our suite of services offers the tools and support needed to navigate these challenges effectively. Through coaching, webinars, and our dedicated CPD certified digital learning platform, we aim to empower working carers and their managers, creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and supportive work environment for all.
P&P and Supporting Carers in the Workplace
Pilot carer programme: Launch a trial carer support programme, testing new strategies and support mechanisms for carers in the workplace, with the aim of refining and rolling out successful practices organisation-wide. The programme can consist of:
- 1-on-1 coaching for working carers: We offer coaching for carers, providing a personal space to develop strategies for balancing personal wellbeing with caregiving and work, enhancing personal health and growth.
- Support for managers: Our coaching equips managers with the skills to support working carers effectively, fostering a culture of understanding.
- Webinars and workshops: Our programme of 1-hour webinars celebrates and supports the critical role of unpaid carers, showcasing organisational commitment to creating a family-friendly culture.
- Carers learning portal: A CPD Certified online tool offering interactive e-learning for carers and managers, enhancing career and life transition management.
Get in touch for more information.