How To Navigate Being A Caregiver in The Workplace

As the Canadian population ages, more and more caregivers are needed each year. Many people who take on the role of the caregiver also have a day job, and balancing both caregiving and work can be a major challenge.

In this video, we’ll explain some of the options available to caregivers who work and give you a few tips on how to talk to your employer about accommodating your caregiving schedule.

Research shows that more than forty percent of caregivers feel uncomfortable talking to their employer about their caregiving duties, usually because they’re afraid of being fired or punished in some way.

Every boss is different, but many employers are starting to understand that it’s in their best interest to work with their caregiving employees in finding a solution that works for everyone.

If you’re unsure how your employer will respond to a request for caregiver support, ask yourself the following questions about the corporate culture in your workplace:

Do they mention caregiver issues in their benefits guide or in corporate communications?

Are there other caregiver employees who are successfully managing both work and caregiving?

If the answer to any of these questions seems unclear, you might want to ask a union rep, human resources, Employee Assistance Program counselor, or a colleague who you know has been in a similar situation for help.

Canadian human rights law says that no one can be discriminated against based on family status, which includes “family caregiving responsibilities.” This means that an employer is legally required to accommodate anyone who proves they have an obligation to provide caregiving.

However, the law also prevents against “undue hardship” for the employer, which means that they don’t have to do anything that will create any risks, or impact their business in a negative way.

The bottom line is that the only way to get caregiver support from your employer is to talk to them about it.

Before starting the conversation, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your workplace’s employee benefits program. Some companies offer generous benefits that may include paid home care services or paid family caregiver leave.

If the paid home care or leave are not options, talk to your human resources representative about other things that your employer may be able to provide, like:

More flexible working hours

The ability to telecommute or work from home

Employee Assistance Programs, including wellness and education services

The ability to share or temporarily defer your duties to another employee

The option to take vacation or personal days on short notice

It’s understandable to be nervous about discussing your caregiver role with your employer. Here are some strategies to help make it easier and more productive:

Take some time beforehand to think about what you want to say and what you hope to get out of the conversation. It’s okay to bring along notes if you’re worried you might forget some of your points.

When you sit down with your employer, clearly and realistically explain your caregiving role and how you feel it impacts your work-life balance.

Explain the ways that you’ve already tried to balance your work and your caregiving duties, highlighting the things that worked and the things that didn’t.

Be as honest and open as you can. The more your employer knows about your situation, the better they’ll be able to understand your needs.

Try to be flexible; even if you’re set on what you would like the meeting to accomplish, you should be open to your employer’s concerns and suggestions too.

Once the two of you have come up with a plan on how to proceed, tell your employer that you would like to check in from time to time and continue the conversation.

Although approaching your employer about caregiver issues can be uncomfortable, it’s essential if you want to maintain a balance between your job and your home life.

Without adequate support, both your ability to work and your ability to provide care will suffer.

So remember: if you need help, the first and most important step is just to ask.

For more caregiver support and resources, be sure to visit our CareChannel.