Companies and business owners are starting to recognize that caregivers have differentiating situations and responsibilities that can impact their performance at work as well as their mental and physical wellbeing.
Offering benefits to caregivers is starting to become a necessity, especially with the average age of caregivers decreasing. According to AARP, 50% of caregivers are under 50 with 25% being millennials. Some companies offer benefits that can be of help in numerous ways and take a load off of the caregivers’ shoulder.
Leave for Caregivers
Working caregivers a lot of times have to make work adjustments to take on the transition and companies may risk losing talented workers. Giving a caregiver the space needed can help keep them on with the company and take care of their personal needs as well.
Paid Leave
Allowing employees the time to take care of their loved ones and be with them when needed most some companies decide to offer paid leave or partially paid leave. This helps them with both mental and financial burdens by letting them take the needed time to make a transition, change or situation a little bit smoother.
Time – Off
Giving employees options on how to use their sick days can help out caregivers when an emergency arises with their loved one or an appointment is needed to be attended. Some companies have even extended their time off allowance or even offer unlimited time-off.
Flexible Work Options
Giving a caregiver some flexibility in their work schedule can help lessen stress and make things a little bit easier on the employee. A flexible schedule can help with the work/life balance and make a not so easy situation a little bit better.
Flexible Hours
Caregivers that select the best hours for their personal situation allows for space to get things done in their home and in the office. Letting them work flexible hours throughout the day, or picking a non-traditional schedule, can help with worrying that things may conflict with one another. This can give more time for them to get tasks completed when they are in the best mind space.
Remote Working
Letting employees work from home can give them the flexibility they need with them worrying about having to come into work late or leave early due to caregiving situations that may have arrived. It can also allow them to be productive when it’s the most convenient for them usually producing a better quality of work.
Added Benefits
There are many other ways that employers can lessen the stress and frustrations of caregiving. Offering outside care options, information, assistance and more of an understanding can allow employees peace of mind.
Backup Care
Offering backup care services can help caregivers in emergency situations when things may become the most stressful for them. Giving employees eligibilities for reduced rates for caregiving professionals or access to emergency services can help in a pinch when they just aren’t able to be there themselves.
Respite care is offered for the direct benefit of the employee by giving them short-term care when they need to go into work, take time off for themselves or even simply rest.
Insurance and Assistance Plans
Assistance plans such as care subsidies help employees with the financial part of elder care by covering direct costs or even backup care. With a dependent care assistance plan, a certain portion of the employee’s paycheck goes towards elder costs. Allowing them to have money set aside when needed for elder care costs.
Education
Sometimes an employee may need additional education or resources. Some companies have offered online resources through their human resources or employee assistance programs or even consultations by phone. Providing access to webinars or workshops can give caregivers more information and even local recommendations for certain needs. Many transitioning into caregiving also need legal and financial advice so offering resources and support on those topics can greatly benefit your staff as well. Having an appointed elder-care consultant or scheduled support groups can offer an exchange in information, tips and support for people who may better understand their situations.
Do you have an employee that comes to mind when thinking about caregiving? MIR Senior Care offers experts for information on services, resources, and care for seniors or people with disabilities. Call today for a consultation.
Companies That Offer Caregiver Benefits
These companies are well known for the caregiving benefits that they offer to their employees. If we missed a company or a benefit your employer may offer, let us know in the comments!
Bestbuy
Starbucks
Deloitte
Caring.com
Home Instead®
CBS
Care.com
Aetna
Alzheimer’s Association
Bank of America
Northwestern University
John Hopkins University
Duke University
Emory University
Georgetown University
University of Arizona
Fannie Mae
Prudential
Microsoft
NBC Universal
AARP
Johnson & Johnson