Many employers are looking for practical resources and materials to support employees juggling work and caring responsibilities, a new survey has found.
The findings are part of a new report released by Employers for Carers (EfC) based on a survey of 117 organisations from across England, Scotland and Wales. This has been created to improve understanding of current provision for carers in the workplace, identify examples of good practice and make practical recommendations on how employers and others can better support carer health and wellbeing.
While nearly all of survey respondents (96%) could define what it means to be a working carer, 75% highlighted a need for tools to give to carers in the workplace to promote their health and wellbeing, and similar numbers wanted ways to signpost employees to sources of external support for caring.
Set up and run by Carers UK, Employers for Carers (EfC) is a membership forum championing and promoting effective workplace support for staff with caring responsibilities.
There are 1 in 7 people in the UK juggling work and caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who is older, disabled or has a long-term health condition. With an ageing population this number is set to rise and supporting employees who are also caring to remain healthy, resilient and productive is becoming an increasingly significant workplace issue.
More than 600 people a day quit work to care. This loss of income has a significant impact on individuals and their families, as well as workplaces and the economy.
Carers UK research has shown that half of all carers (51%) take over a year to recognise their caring role. While virtually all survey respondents could define a working carer, only 59% had a dedicated identification process in place to help employees recognise that they are caring. Likewise, while 88% of employers were aware of the impact that poor carer health and wellbeing can have on their organisation, only half (49%) had health and wellbeing support in place specifically for carers.
This year’s report also highlighted the role of line managers in helping to identify working carers, as they are often the first point of contact for support. Although 57% of respondents reported that line managers are provided with training and awareness on unpaid caring responsibilities, 43% said that they were not.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“Supporting carers to remain in the workforce benefits employees, employers, and society alike. For employers, losing carers means a loss of skilled and experienced staff, while for carers, leaving work can result in reduced income and increased financial and emotional strain. On a wider scale, the economic impact is substantial, with lost productivity from carers exiting the workforce estimated at a staggering £37 billion.
“While it is encouraging that more employers are becoming aware of unpaid carers and the challenges of balancing work and care, this report shows that many workplaces still need advice and guidance to turn this awareness into practical support.
“We are seeking to address this gap in support through Employers for Carers (EfC), Carers UK’s employer forum, which provides practical, hands-on help and equips employers with the tools they need to retain and support employees with caring responsibilities by putting effective health and wellbeing policies in place. EfC member organisations have a wealth of practical experience to share, and we are proud of how they have led the way in supporting carers in the workplace”.