8 insights into TSB's adult caregiver support playbook
"What we understand from our own experience is that a caregiver's journey is very unique to them," says Angela Gibson, head of employee relations at TSB Bank, reflecting on their six-year journey to support caregivers in the workplace.
This insight encapsulates the bank's innovative approach to addressing the hidden challenges faced by employees juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.
In a revealing interview, Gibson, who leads TSB's colleague experience agenda, shares candid insights into the bank's evolving strategy for supporting caregivers.
From recognising the "hidden" nature of adult caregiving to implementing practical solutions such as paid leave and a 24/7 care app, TSB's journey offers valuable lessons for companies looking to create a more inclusive workplace for caregivers.
As demographic shifts and changing workplace expectations bring caregiving to the forefront of corporate agendas, Gibson's experiences and predictions provide a roadmap for organisations aiming to stay ahead of the curve.
Her words not only highlight TSB's commitment to its employees but also underscore the business imperative of supporting caregivers in today's competitive talent landscape.
1. TSB Bank’s journey to becoming a carer-inclusive workplace
"Six years ago we started exploring the needs of working carers as part of our inclusivity agenda...we estimated around 500 of our employees were likely to be carers at that time."
2. Identifying carers in their workplace
"Now we collect data. Actually asking the question as part of our diversity disclosure process means we now know that one in eleven TSB colleagues has disclosed that they are an adult caregiver."
3. Child caregiving is planned and celebrated – adult caregiving is not
“Sometimes it creeps up on people… it can be an emergency situation that takes you by surprise. If you don't create the right environment in your workplace, it's difficult for the carer to talk out loud about it."
4. Having senior leadership champions is critical to success
"Engaging senior leaders early is critical. They help shape your views [so] you understand where the early barriers are. We had strong sponsorship from our corporate affairs director. He leads our ‘Do What Matters’ plan under our responsible business strategy."
5. No two caregiving journeys are the same
"What we understand from our own experience is that a caregiver's journey is unique to them."
6. KareHero gives TSB employees easy 1:1 access to care experts
"Flexibility and accessibility are the number one things that carers tell us that they need. Being able to hold something in the palm of your hand [such as the KareHero app] is really important. It was a critical part of our journey, and seamless to implement as well."
7. Supporting caregivers directly correlates with retention
"We now know that our carers stay with us three years longer than the average length of service for TSB."
8. A future of more structured support
"I predict more companies will start to invest in structured caregiving support, meaning caregiver conversations become the norm. I think legislation and workplace expectations are definitely shifting, such as protected rights for carers and statutory paid leave following the recent introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act."
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, KareHero
The UK’s No1 adult caregiving support service' for employees. Helping families understand, find and fund elderly care.
