Why adapting to an ageing workforce means recognising adult carers

Law firm Bristows tackled a shift in demographics by rethinking its health and wellbeing strategies

“Brave businesses don’t just talk about supporting their people, they take action.”

That was the view of law firm Bristows, when it realised that its workforce demographic was changing.

As with many businesses in the UK, Bristows’ people are getting older. In fact, according to the Law Society, in some regions of the UK, more than 60% of duty solicitors are aged over 50. And with that shift in age comes a shift in terms of what’s required when it comes to workplace health and wellbeing strategies.

Bristows saw that many of its colleagues had caregiving responsibilities for adults rather than children. About 8% of solicitors say they’re already caring for another adult, and in reality, that figure could be far higher.

Bristows decided to take steps to create a workplace where its people felt supported and valued in managing those dual responsibilities.

Long-term investment rather than a short-term fix

“We already had a carers policy, flexible working, compassionate leave, and an EAP,” explains Victoria Hand, DE&I manager at Bristows. “However, we realised that these measures, while helpful, didn’t fully address the unique and evolving challenges caregivers face, such as navigating the complexities of care, finding reliable resources, or managing emotional and financial stress.

“We were keen to explore other tools that might provide more comprehensive, proactive support beyond standard policies.

“Our ambition was to find a solution that was not just a short-term fix but a long-term investment in our people’s wellbeing,” said Hand.

The hidden impact of caregiving responsibilities

Caregiving responsibilities can have a huge – and often hidden – impact on your workforce.

One in three employees consider resigning to care for a loved one and 63% of carers say they are extremely worried about managing care costs. Those concerns can have a terrible impact on workplace wellbeing – 10% of carers simply burn out and many of those never return to work at all.

Bristows launched its partnership with KareHero in January 2025, offering its people practical support at every stage of the care journey, reducing stress, saving time, and bringing peace of mind. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive: “It wasn’t just another generic benefit,” explains Victoria.

“The service provides real, tangible resources to help caregivers navigate their challenges with confidence. Employees appreciate that we are acknowledging their challenges and providing meaningful support,” she adds. “Some have shared that they feel seen and valued and are relieved to have expert guidance at their fingertips.

“For any organisation looking to truly empower and retain its workforce, investing in caregiver support is a step worth taking.”