Person juggling caregiving and work symbols in a supportive workplace.

The Hidden Burden: How to Support Family Caregivers in the Workplace

Author's portrait.
Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Untangling the challenges faced by employed caregivers and offering strategies for creating caregiver-friendly workplaces."


The increasing demands of caring for family members are often felt most acutely by those who balance these responsibilities with their careers. While the vital role of family caregivers is gaining recognition, many organizations have yet to implement structured policies to address their unique challenges. This lack of awareness and support can lead to increased stress, decreased productivity, and even career setbacks for employed caregivers.

Recent research sheds light on the prevalence and impact of family caregiving on the workforce. A survey conducted across four large organizations revealed that a significant percentage of employees are engaged in family caregiving, yet many feel unsupported or unable to openly discuss their caregiving responsibilities with their employers. This article delves into these findings, exploring the hidden struggles of employed caregivers and identifying actionable strategies for creating more supportive workplaces.

By understanding the challenges faced by family caregivers in the workplace, organizations can take meaningful steps to improve employee well-being, reduce absenteeism, and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. This article will explore the key findings of caregiver research, providing insights and recommendations for building caregiver-friendly workplaces.

The Invisible Caregiver: Unveiling the Challenges

Person juggling caregiving and work symbols in a supportive workplace.

A recent survey of over 850 employees across various organizations revealed that 55% identified as family caregivers. However, a significant portion of these caregivers felt unable to openly discuss their caregiving responsibilities at work. Only a third had spoken to someone within the organization about their caregiving needs, with 28% reaching out to their direct supervisor and a mere 10% contacting human resources.

The research also highlighted several factors that influence whether a caregiver seeks support within the workplace:

  • Care Intensity: Caregivers providing more than 8 hours of weekly care were significantly more likely to seek support.
  • Patient Condition: Those caring for a patient with a diagnosed illness, such as cancer, were also more inclined to reach out.
  • Organizational Type: Employees in social organizations were more likely to seek support compared to those in industrial plants.
Interestingly, the study found that even when employees experienced work disruptions due to caregiving – such as taking days off, having their schedule interrupted, or considering leaving their job – they were not necessarily more likely to discuss their situation with their employer. The exception was when they had declined a promotion or felt that "work helps me to keep my sanity," suggesting that some caregivers only seek support when facing significant career impacts or when work provides a crucial emotional outlet.

Building Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces: A Path Forward

The research underscores the critical need for organizations to cultivate caregiver-friendly environments. The first step is to raise awareness and legitimacy around the issue of family caregiving within the workplace. This can be achieved through workshops for managers, training programs, and open forums where employees can share their experiences and needs.

The next stage involves developing and implementing organizational policies that support caregivers. These policies may include flexible work arrangements, paid or unpaid leave for caregiving responsibilities, employee assistance programs, and resource referral services. By providing concrete support, organizations can help caregivers manage their work and family obligations more effectively.

Ultimately, creating caregiver-friendly workplaces benefits both employees and employers. By supporting caregivers, organizations can reduce stress, improve employee morale and productivity, and foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment. This not only enhances the well-being of employees but also strengthens the organization's ability to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive labor market.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What did the survey reveal about the percentage of employees who are family caregivers and how many feel comfortable discussing their caregiving responsibilities at work?

The survey indicated that 55% of employees identified as family caregivers. However, many of these caregivers felt they couldn't openly discuss their responsibilities at work. Only a third spoke to someone within their organization about their needs, with 28% reaching out to their direct supervisor and only 10% contacting human resources. This highlights the 'hidden burden' and the need for increased awareness and support.

2

What concrete steps can organizations take to cultivate caregiver-friendly environments, as highlighted in the discussion?

Organizations can become more caregiver-friendly by raising awareness and legitimacy around family caregiving within the workplace. This involves implementing strategies like workshops for managers, training programs, and open forums where employees can share their experiences and needs. These initiatives create a supportive environment, encouraging caregivers to seek help and reducing the stigma associated with caregiving responsibilities.

3

According to the research, what key factors influence whether a caregiver seeks support within their workplace?

The research identified 'care intensity' (providing more than 8 hours of weekly care) and 'patient condition' (caring for someone with a diagnosed illness like cancer) as significant factors. Also, employees in 'social organizations' were more likely to seek support than those in 'industrial plants'. Understanding these factors allows organizations to tailor their support systems effectively.

4

Under what specific circumstances were employed caregivers more likely to discuss their caregiving challenges with their employers, even when facing work disruptions?

When employees experienced work disruptions due to caregiving, such as taking days off or considering leaving their job, they weren't necessarily more likely to discuss their situation with their employer. The exceptions were when they had declined a promotion or felt that 'work helps me to keep my sanity'. This shows that caregivers often only seek support when facing significant career impacts or when work provides a crucial emotional outlet, highlighting the importance of proactive support systems.

5

What is the key takeaway regarding the gap between the number of family caregivers in the workforce and the support they receive, and what are the implications for organizations?

The survey revealed a significant gap between the prevalence of family caregivers in the workforce and the support they receive. This disconnect leads to increased stress, decreased productivity, and potential career setbacks for employed caregivers. Addressing this gap is crucial for organizations aiming to improve employee well-being, reduce absenteeism, and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. By implementing policies and programs that acknowledge and support family caregivers, organizations can create a more sustainable and equitable workplace.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.