Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 24 November 2022 – Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, we believe that it’s important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it.
Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. Each year, Carers Rights Day helps:
- Carers to become aware of their rights
- Carers know where to get help and support
- Raise awareness of the needs of carers in society and the workplace.
The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities, highlight the vital role carers play in our communities and draw attention to just how important caring is.
If you have employees who are also caregivers, you know that they often face unique challenges in maintaining a good work-life balance. It can be difficult for them to manage their time and energy between their job and their caring responsibilities. As an employer, you play an important role in supporting your employees who are also caregivers.
Before we look at some top tips for both employers and employees let’s examine what exactly being a carer means
Who is a carer or caregiver?
A carer is someone who cares for another person who needs assistance because of illness, disability, old age, or any other reason. This could be a family member, friend, or neighbour. In the workplace, being a carer can often mean having to take time off for doctor’s appointments or other caregivers’ duties.
If you are a carer, you are not alone. In fact, according to Carers UK, there are more than six million carers in the UK. That means that one in ten people are in the same situation as you. So, how do you balance work and caring responsibilities?
Problems faced by carers in the workplace
Finding the time to balance work and caring responsibilities can be tough. Employees who are carers often feel like they’re being pulled in different directions and may struggle to meet deadlines or take on new projects. They may also feel guilty about leaving their loved ones at home or worry about what will happen if they’re needed in an emergency. And, on top of all of that, you also have to deal with the potential judgement of your colleagues and employers.
Being a carer is not easy, but you are not alone. Luckily, there are things both employers and colleagues can do to make the situation easier for everyone involved.
Top 5 Tips for Employers to support carers in the workplace
- Communicate openly and frequently with your employees about their caring responsibilities and how they feel they are managing them.
- Try to be flexible with working hours and schedules where possible, so that employees can better balance their work and home lives.
- Encourage employees to take advantage of any employee assistance programs that may offer support for caregivers.
- Make sure your workplace is accommodating for employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses that may result from their caring responsibilities.
- Show your support for caregivers by acknowledging their efforts and offering words of encouragement.
Top 5 Tips for Colleagues to help carers
- Understand that carers have a lot on their plate and may not be able to participate in work activities as much as they used to.
- Be patient with carers if they need more time to complete tasks or if they seem frazzled or distracted.
- Offer to help carers with work tasks whenever possible, so they can focus on their personal responsibilities outside of work.
- Avoid making assumptions about what carers can or cannot do; instead, ask them directly if they need any assistance.
- Make an effort to get to know the people in your life who are also caregivers; ask them how they are doing and offer your support however you can.
In summary, employers should provide training and support, promote a positive culture around caring and caregiving responsibilities, and be understanding if an employee must take time off at short notice.
Employers can further help by being understanding and flexible by allowing employees to work from home occasionally or being able to adjust their hours could make an enormous difference. Providing access to respite care or offering financial assistance with childcare costs could also be helpful.
If you are a caregiver yourself, investigate options such as respite care services and government benefits that you may be entitled to as well as taking advantage of your company’s Employee Assistance Program if you need additional support.
Finally, stay positive and remember that you’re not alone – there are plenty of people in the same boat as you!
