Thinking Beyond Paid Leave to Support Caregivers

Whether they're tending to their parents, young children or in some cases both, the number of employees who double as caregivers is on the rise.

Around 22% of employers stated that over a quarter of their employees are caregivers.¹ This result points to the rising need for paid family leave. Unfortunately, many employees don't receive paid leave from their jobs. Only 40% of employers offer leave in some form — and for many, it's not always paid. Many employees are forced to use vacation or sick days if they need time off for caregiving.

This can leave employees in a tough spot.

Some employers who provide leave tend to offer basic policies:

• Allowing an employee time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Family members are usually a spouse, child or parent.
• Covering up to 12 weeks of leave in a 52-week period after the employee has met eligibility requirements.
• Offering unpaid leave but provides job protection.
• Allowing other leave types that may provide payment for employees that runs alongside caregiving leave.

Some employers also provide their own company-sponsored paid or unpaid leaves. And a growing number of states now require paid family leave.

Employees need support to ensure they can take care of those who matter most to them. Here are more ways, beyond paid leave, that you can help your employees.

EAP services for caregivers:

• Financial counseling
• Legal counseling
• Mindfulness and stress management
• Elder care resources
• Child care resources

Flexible Work Arrangements Can Help

Flexible work arrangements for caregivers are gaining traction. Remote work and flexible schedules are helpful options.

Employee Assistance Programs

Caregivers also need support that they can access without taking time off work. An EAP can help fill in the gaps, so employees can stay at work.²

Right now is a great time to rethink how you support your employees, especially those who provide care to others. Reach out to your local sales office for more information on EAP and Paid Family and Medical Leave.