Ease strain on sandwich caregivers with these benefit categories
- Key insight: Identify specific needs and ways to support sandwich caregivers in the workforce.
- What’s at stake: Employers who don’t support generational sandwich carers risking employee retention and productivity.
- Support data: Almost 30% of a specific caregiver demographic.
Source: AI generated bullets with editorial review
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The challenges of caring for aging children and loved ones are leading many workers to struggle with their schedules, finances and personal health. Benefits that help them manage these areas can make a difference.
One in four adults is a caregiver, and nearly 30% of them fall into the sandwich category, according to research by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. While everyone’s caregiving journey is unique, certain support categories, such as child care, elder care, financial wellness, and preventative health, have a broad reach to reduce stress.
“We recognize that success at work starts with broad support,” said Verlinda DiMarino, chief benefits officer at Liberty Mutual.
The company offers its caregivers a free membership to care services that help them find providers for both children and elderly relatives, a retirement FSA that covers pre-tax caregiving expenses, unlimited one-on-one financial training, workshops and goal-setting programs to help employees make important financial decisions, he explained. “Without this support in the workplace, these workers are likely to experience increased stress and burnout, which can affect engagement and long-term retention.”
Child care options
Childcare has overtaken retirement as the top benefit need, according to KinderCare. Depending on employee needs and company budget, employers can explore options ranging from on-site care to subsidized care offerings. These can be especially helpful for parents of young children and toddlers
“Employers have a real opportunity right now,” Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions, said in an email. “When companies make childcare easier to access and understand, parents can focus on their careers, and companies see gains in productivity, loyalty and long-term performance.”
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Elderly care options
From helping with daily tasks to understanding health and legacy issues, staff caring for aging loved ones often spend hours each week doing hands-on work, researching and making decisions about care. Benefits that help them access home care services, as well as navigate the health care and legal systems, can save time and provide peace of mind.
“It’s a big change when people … have to take care of their parents — it’s scary, it’s unfamiliar territory and it’s emotional,” said Emily Rose, president of business solutions at LegalShield. “People get worried that they might make a bad decision, and they want to work with an expert who’s dedicated and understands that.”
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Financial guidance
The costs of elder care, from supplies to home or facility fees and medical bills, can make it difficult for employees to stay on track with their financial goals. Benefits that provide access to financial experts and long-term care projections can help employees identify support options and align their loved ones’ needs with their own.
“Sandwich caregivers are facing very dire financial situations,” Jessica Tuman, head of Voya Cares, previously told EBN. “There’s no way to stay on top of those costs and when it comes to things like retirement or financial stability, they’re putting that on the back burner to take care of those immediate needs.”
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The benefit of holistic health prevention
To balance work and personal responsibilities, caregivers need to take care of themselves. Access to preventive solutions like therapy and annual physicals and time to participate in these wellness appointments help employees stay on top of their health.
“Family caregivers fill many roles: cook, financial planner, chauffeur, housekeeper, personal and bath stylist, physical and emotional supporter, care coordinator and more,” Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of the Northeast Business Group on Health, wrote in an article for EBN.
“Increasingly, their responsibilities extend to medical and nursing roles, for which they receive little training, education and support. For many workers, their caring responsibilities amount to an additional part-time job or even a full-time job.”
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Flexible work options
One of the top questions for caregivers of every generation is flexibility,
Whether it’s a long-term schedule or occasional when needs arise, employer support is essential when employees need to show up to their loved ones.
“The value your employer flexibility brings to your life cannot be overstated,” Clare Jones, marketing outreach manager, tells EBN. “My manager has always given me flexible time to go to parent-teacher meetings, sports days, and doctor appointments, but they went above and beyond… (when) I needed flexible work and an unscheduled time off to be with a close friend and her family when she lost her battle with cancer… And (when) my partner was hospitalized – (and he couldn’t) help me navigate this company, for three months (and he couldn’t) help me navigate this guidance. My times for the kids’ school pick-ups and hospital appointments.”
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