How employers can help working carers

How employers can help working carers

Supporting carers in the workplace benefits the UK’s growing numbers of carers and also benefits you as an employer.

How – and why – employers can help

As well as being a good employer, there are clear business benefits to supporting workers with caring responsibilities. A flexible approach can:

  • Increase resilience and productivity
  • Reduce recruitment and training costs
  • Reduce sick leave
  • Attract and keep staff
  • Reduce staff stress and increase staff morale

There are many things employers can consider

  • Flexible working practices
  • Enhanced or paid emergency leave
  • Additional leave arrangements, such as carers leave or compassionate leave
  • Additional flexible benefits, such as insurance or care vouchers
  • Support and understanding from employers – a workplace culture that values and supports carers can make a huge difference

According a 2019 Carers UK report, the top three things that would most help working carers were:

  • A supportive employer/line manager
  • Flexible working
  • Additional paid care leave

About Employers for Carers

Employers for Carers is Carers UK’s membership forum for employers who want to support the people in their workforce who are carers. Its purpose is to:

  • provide practical advice and support for employers seeking to develop carer friendly policy and practice and retain skilled workers
  • identify and promote the business benefits of supporting carers in the workplace
  • influence employment policy and practice to create a culture which supports carers in and into work.

Member organisations of Employers for Carers and their employees get free access to guides and resources specifically designed to help make working and caring easier.

To find out more about Employers for Carers, visit employersforcarers.org; email [email protected] or call 020 7378 4956.

 

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