The Hard Work of Balancing Employment and Caregiving: What Can Canadian Employers Do to Help?

Abstract

As a result of population aging and changing family structures, more Canadians than ever are balancing careers with family caregiving responsibilities. Previous research has suggested that different policy responses are required to support caregivers, depending on the intensity of their caregiving contributions. This discussion paper focuses on needed workplace supports for family caregivers in Canada, with a specific emphasis on the role for employers. Outlined are challenges faced by caregiving employees, the ways in which employers and governments are already supporting caregivers internationally, and options for how Canadian employers might participate in creating caregiver-friendly workplaces. Résumé une des conséquences du vieillissement de la population et des nouvelles structures familiales est que de plus en plus de Canadiens doivent équilibrer leur carrière avec leurs responsabilités de prestation de soins à un membre de la famille. des recherches antérieures font voir que diverses mesures politiques sont nécessaires pour appuyer les aidants naturels, selon l' ampleur

Employment adjustment and mental health of employed family caregivers in Canada

“…An employed family caregiver is "anyone employed in an organization or business who also provides care for an older relative or friend, or an adult family member or friend with a disability" (Feinberg & AARP Public Policy Institute, 2018, p. 2). In Canada, most family caregivers aged between 45 and 64 years old are employed outside the home, including about 72% of female caregivers and 83% of male caregivers (Lilly, 2011). Similarly, in the United States, 60% of family caregivers are employed out of the home, and more than half of these work full-time (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2016).…”

Enhancing the Health and Employment Participation of Older Workers

“…Although unpaid care giving contributes signifi cantly to the nation's economy (Access Economics 2010 ), it is also associated with poor health, fewer paid working hours and early retirement of the caregiver (Lilly 2011 ).…”

Retirement Decision-Making among Registered Nurses’ and Allied Health Professionals: A Descriptive Analysis of Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Data

“…Existing research indicates that those who leave the workforce to act as a caregiver often struggle to re-enter once they are no longer needed as a caregiver ( Lilly 2011 ). The impact of caregiving on retirement decisions of older RNs and AHPs could be mitigated through adoption of caregiver-friendly policies at the institutional, provincial and/or federal level.…”