Caring for aging family members is a reality that many employees face today. As a benefits leader, information on what these individuals are truly going through isn’t something you’ll find in HR handbooks or corporate policies. Nonetheless, it’s your responsibility to empathize with and understand these individuals’ needs in order to support your workforce effectively. Here is a complex mix of hopes and fears that directly impact their work life.
Hopes
Quality Care and Dignity
Imagine one of your top employees sitting across from their aging parent, who once was the pillar of strength in their life. Now, the roles have reversed, and they’re the caregiver. One of their biggest hopes? That their loved one will age with dignity. They hope that the decisions they make, whether it’s choosing the right care facility or managing medications, will ensure their loved one’s comfort and respect, honoring the life of someone they love.
Positive Health Outcomes
One of the biggest hopes employee caregivers hold, whether achievable or not, is that their aging loved one will get better. They pour their time, energy, and emotional strength into ensuring their family members are taken care of. They aren’t just managing tasks—they’re actively working toward better health outcomes, whether through careful medication management, coordinating medical appointments, or providing day-to-day support.
Understanding and Support
What employee caregivers hope from you is understanding and support. They hope you’ll see them not just as employees, but as human beings navigating an incredibly difficult situation. They hope for flexibility—whether that’s flexible hours, remote work options, or just the ability to take a few hours off without penalty when things get tough at home.
Fears
Overwhelm and Burnout
The demands of caregiving can be immense, and many employees worry that they might not be able to handle the dual pressures of work and caregiving. This fear isn’t unfounded—a CDC report reveals that nearly 60% of caregivers feel high levels of stress, and 40% feel trapped in their role. The potential for burnout is significant.
Financial Hardship
For many employees, the fear of financial hardship is a constant undercurrent in their caregiving journey. Whether it’s covering the costs of medical treatments, paying for in-home care, or making necessary home modifications, these expenses can quickly spiral out of control. The average cost for home health aide services alone averages $18,144 in the U.S. And then there’s the long-term financial impact. The anxiety of potentially depleting their savings or going into debt adds another layer of stress to an already challenging situation.
Losing Career Momentum
Many employees fear that by prioritizing their family, they’re putting their career on the line. What if asking for flexibility or support makes them look weak or uncommitted? They’re afraid that if they take time off or ask for adjustments, they’ll be passed over for promotions, seen as less dedicated, or even worse, let go. Looking at the stats, it’s true. Harvard Business School reports that 57% of working caregivers believe they are seen as less committed to their jobs.
Responding With Empathy
To effectively support your employees who are caring for an aging loved one, you need to shift your perspective—from thinking like a business professional to seeing through a human lens. This is somebody’s mother or father, possibly in the final stages of life. How would you want to be supported in such a situation?
At Helpr, our advice is simple: respond with empathy. Provide them with the time and flexibility they need to care for their loved one during these precious days. Encourage them to utilize their care benefits so they don’t face financial strain when hiring qualified home aides while they’re away.
The truth is, when you set aside the corporate mindset and lead with empathy, your company will see profound, lasting benefits. Employees who feel truly supported in their most challenging times are not just more loyal—they are more engaged, more driven, and more committed to the success of your organization. We have witnessed this time and time again through our clients. This goes beyond kindness; it’s about forging a culture where every individual feels deeply valued, not just as an employee, but as a human being.
