20 Feb 2025

6 eye-opening statistics on why employee caregivers are hurting

Key stats reveal employee caregivers are struggling, and businesses must act quickly to avert a crisis.

The last decade has seen a significant shift in how businesses approach employee well-being, accelerated by the pandemic and sustained by an increasing focus on retention and engagement.

However, one critical issue remains largely overlooked: the growing crisis of employees balancing work with unpaid caregiving responsibilities.

For the first time in history, 2023 saw the number of adult dependents in the UK workforce outgrow the number of child dependents.

This shift isn’t just about altruism – it’s about survival. Businesses that fail to support their caregiving employees risk losing valuable talent and productivity.

We examine some of the data behind the caregiving crisis, its impact on workplaces, and why businesses need to step up their support now.

The caregiving crisis: A silent strain on the workforce

Statistic #1: 1 in 5 people (20%) provide unpaid care for a loved one.

The reality is that millions of employees are juggling full-time jobs while also caring for aging parents, sick partners, or disabled family members. For 75% of working carers, balancing work and caregiving is a major concern - one that often forces them to make difficult career decisions.

The business case for supporting caregivers

Statistic #2: 6 in 10 unpaid carers have quit work or reduced their work hours.

Unlike childcare, which is widely recognised in workplace policies, adult caregiving remains in the shadows. As the population ages, this issue will only intensify, yet few employers are addressing it in their benefits and workplace flexibility policies.

A gap in the support: adult care versus childcare

Statistic #3: 70% of family caregivers struggle to balance work and care, according to a report by AARP.

Many caregivers face career setbacks- 27% have reduced their working hours, while 16% have declined promotions or left their jobs entirely. Despite this, 80% of caregivers believe that employers are far more accommodating of childcare needs than eldercare responsibilities.

This imbalance highlights a critical gap in workplace support, leaving millions of employees without the flexibility or financial security they need.

The care crisis is amplifying gender inequalities

Statistic #4: Women perform 76.2% of unpaid caregiving worldwide, the ILO reports – more than 3 x as much as men.

Women are disproportionately affected by caregiving responsibilities, contributing to gender disparities in career advancement and earnings.

While businesses focus on addressing the gender pay gap, few acknowledge caregiving’s role in deepening workplace inequalities. Read our article about the relationship between DEI and caregiving.

For TSB Bank, it was a part of their business case for investing in carer-focused employee benefits.

“Part of that business case was around our demographic data,” explains Will Rayden, director of reward and Performance, TSB Bank.

“We know that 8% of our colleagues are carers. Long tenure, but also a large proportion of women (65%), all of which lends itself to a population who are more likely to be carers.”

The mental and emotional toll of caregiving

Statistic #5: Caregivers spent an average of 26 hours per week providing care (Guardian Life).

This is equivalent to a part-time job – on top of full-time employment. With nearly 30% of caregivers dedicating over 30 hours a week, the stress, exhaustion, and financial strain are immense.

There are mental health implications for carers

Statistic #6: 87% of caregivers report experiencing depression.

Balancing caregiving and work can lead to serious mental health challenges, including burnout and chronic stress.

Many caregivers are forced to take unpaid leave just to manage their responsibilities, increasing financial instability and workplace disengagement.

To learn more about how businesses are supporting caregivers, to increase retention, maximise productivity and safeguard wellbeing, visit www.karehero.com