07 Nov 2024

7 shocking stats about caregivers in the workplace that could be hurting your business

Caregiving responsibilities are quietly becoming one of the biggest issues facing the modern workforce – and most companies are blind to the problem.

Changing demographics and rising levels of chronic illness in the UK mean that many employees on your team are likely balancing work with caring for adult dependents, partners, parents, or siblings with chronic illnesses.

It’s an issue that employers are often blind to.

And with some two million more people taking on these responsibilities each year, the impact on businesses is undeniable.

Here are seven eye-opening statistics from a recent survey by KareHero and HR Ninjas that highlight this caregiving crisis, and what your organisation can do to better support these hidden caregivers on your team.

1. A significant portion of the workforce is caring for adults

Employees today are not just looking after young children; many are balancing work with caregiving for adult children, sick partners, or elderly parents.

In fact, the survey found that 1 in 5 employees in the UK is an unpaid carer for a loved one, and businesses are struggling to support this growing group. Is your organisation prepared to meet their needs?

2. 87% of caregivers suffer from depression

Balancing full-time work with unpaid caregiving responsibilities — whether for a sick partner, an adult child with a disability, or elderly parents — is overwhelming.

A staggering 87% of employees in these situations report suffering from depression, and many are forced to take up to a month of unpaid leave each year just to manage their caregiving duties.

Without the right support, these employees are at a high risk of burning out.

3. Only 14% of companies offer adult carer support

While 85.5% of businesses provide mental health support, just one in seven offers any assistance specifically for employees caring for adult dependents.

This leaves many caregivers unsupported, creating a major gap in an organisation’s employee benefits scheme.

4. Caregiving is impacting employee retention

The impact of family caregiving responsibilities isn't just a personal issue; it's a workplace one.

A striking 83% of HR leaders in the survey say that caregiver support directly influences employee retention.

With only 2.2% disagreeing, it’s clear that businesses that fail to provide adequate support risk not only losing their existing talent but also in recruiting the best possible candidates for their roles.

5. The ageing workforce needs more attention

The caregiving challenge disproportionately affects employees aged 40 and older, who are most likely to be juggling their jobs with looking after a sick partner or an ageing parent.

HR leaders are well aware of this: 94% in the survey agree that it’s crucial to address the needs of this group. Yet despite this, caregiver support remains a blind spot in many organisations.

6. Lack of understanding is a major roadblock

Almost half (44%) of HR leaders cite a lack of understanding about the challenges employees face when caring for adult children, sick partners, or elderly parents.

This lack of awareness is a significant obstacle to implementing effective support programmes.

This can leave many of your employees feeling lost and overwhelmed as they try to cope alone.

7. Budget constraints are holding companies back

Budget constraints are yet another significant challenge.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of companies say that financial limitations are the main reason why they can’t provide sufficient caregiver support.

But can businesses afford to continue ignoring this growing issue?

When you factor in the costs of recruitment or prolonged time off from those suffering burnout and stress, providing family caregiver support is a preventative cost that will save you money and boost productivity over the longer term.

Flexible working isn’t enough

Most businesses fall back on flexible working as a means to help caregivers, with 74.6% in the survey offering this as a solution.

But as KareHero’s founder and CEO Stephanie Leung points out, "Flexible working is a crutch that doesn’t actually solve the root cause."

With only 5.7% of companies offering dedicated caregiver support programmes, there’s a clear need for more comprehensive solutions for employees juggling their jobs with the care of adult children, partners, or elderly parents.

As the workforce continues to age and caregiving responsibilities increase, it’s time for businesses to recognise that supporting caregivers isn’t just about elder care — it’s about helping employees manage all aspects of adult caregiving.

And that’s not just good for your employees — it’s essential for business success.

To read the full survey, and expert commentary, download the Care in Crisis ebook.