Businesses and workplaces
There are many positive reasons for a workplace to be more carer aware. Changing demographics and an aging population mean that 3 in 5 of us will be looking after a loved one at some point in our lives. 1 in 7 employees are caring for someone outside of work.
Supporting the carers in your workforce isn’t just good for your employees; it’s good for business. Research shows that supporting staff to effectively juggle their home and work lives and continue in employment holds valuable benefits for the business, including:
- Retention of experienced workers
- Reduced absence
- Lower recruitment costs
- Improved staff morale
- Enhanced reputation
Why supporting carers is good for business
Research shows us that most employers are unaware of how many of their staff members are carers and many working carers don’t realise there is any support available to them. Faced with the stress of juggling work with their caring responsibilities, many people see no other choice than to reduce their hours or – worse still – quit work completely, making this a costly issue for employers.
Many people are at the peak of their career when they take on caring responsibilities, aged 45-64. Supporting the carers in your workforce to stay in work is a win-win solution: you retain an experienced worker and save on recruitment and training costs; they retain the income they are likely heavily reliant on and can continue to develop professionally.
Carers UK have some useful information for employers on their website – www.carersuk.org/for-professionals/support-for-employers/
Charities / other organisations
There are many excellent charities and other organisations in Wiltshire and nationally who will be in contact with people who are carers.
They will be offering invaluable, often specialised, support in a number of ways. If someone is identified as a carer we also recommend they are signposted to us.
If a carer is already registered with us but would benefit from a conversation about their circumstances or any challenges they are facing relating to their caring role, do make contact with us.
How we can help
Carers registered with us are able to receive newsletters and What’s On guides and are able to access carer cafes and support groups.
They also have the option of speaking with a member of our team; to take over how the carer’s health and wellbeing is affected by their situation and talk over the support that might benefit them.
We are always looking for ways we can work with businesses and organisations to better reach and benefit carers. If there is any way you feel we could work together – this could be through an event, a campaign or anything else that could be of benefit to unpaid carers – please contact us at admin@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk
