Whether you are a business owner or a hiring manager in an organization, you are seeing the tight labor markets firsthand. Many employees are looking for employers that understand the need for work-life balance and the need for flexibility to address family issues. Thus, businesses that embrace caregiving-friendly strategies and solutions will be able to recruit and retain top-quality talent.
One challenge that caregivers experience is not knowing where to start or where to go for help. The best strategy that you as an employer can deploy to help your employee-caregivers is to direct them to resources and tools that outline how they can provide the best care. Here are three ways to do that.
1. Provide caregivers with information about caregiving
Caregivers have questions and concerns about caregiving and there are many resources that can help caregivers navigate through their caregiving journey. In addition, they may also face unique strains and stressors on their physical and mental health. Make sure to connect working caregivers with resources geared to promoting healthy habits. For caregivers who do not have a built-in support network from their family or friends, community groups and resources can fill the gap.
2. Host a caregiving workshop
A key ingredient in being a caregiver-friendly workplace is the ability to connect employees with resources and tools to assist them in their caregiving responsibilities. Often, the best resource for caregivers is other caregivers. Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch in making this happen because the AARP Prepare to Care Guide can walk you through the process of hosting a workshop session on how to provide the best care and be a resource for employees who are just starting their caregiving journey. Being a resource for tips and information demonstrates to your employees how important this issue is to you and helps them.
3. Utilize local, state, and national resources
Local, state, and national groups have unique resources that target caregiving in and out of the workplace. Make sure to research what organizations in your community and your state are focused on improving the lives of caregivers.
One cannot stress enough that you are not alone in supporting your employees who are also caregivers. Talk to other small businesses in your community about caregiving and how you approach supporting caregivers in your workplace.
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