For many people, caring for others is something they embrace and welcome. However, some people find themselves in the role of caregiver without warning or choice. Not only is this time-consuming, but it can be physically and emotionally exhausting and build feelings of frustration and guilt. It’s important that carers can access support from day one, rather than when they’re at breaking point.
Christine Husbands, commercial director of RedArc says: “Every employer is likely to have employees who are also carers. When they get the right help, they are better able to cope with other aspects of their own life - including their work.”
Supporting carers is not just the right thing to do, it’s smart business too. By recognising and responding to the needs of this employee community, employers can build a more resilient, inclusive and productive workforce. Many carers have lived experience, giving them the ability to find creative solutions and balance priorities - these can be a benefit to employers.
Not all carers know they are carers
Many employees do not identify as carers, especially when their responsibilities involve helping a parent, partner, child, or friend with everyday tasks. Caring can range from occasional support - like helping with shopping or attending appointments - to full-time care for someone with complex needs. This means that carers can exist in every workplace, often unnoticed.
RedArc highlights that an estimated 5.8 million people in the UK are carers Footnote [1]. Caring responsibilities can affect people of all ages and many don’t think of themselves as carers, which can prevent them from seeking or receiving support. This includes those supporting loved ones with mental health issues and may not realise that this qualifies as caregiving.
Christine Husbands says: "Mental health doesn't discriminate and so anyone could find themselves in a position of supporting another person with their mental health, normally without having been trained to do so. It's therefore important that the availability of mental health support is promoted to help anyone who might need it.”
Why employees may not speak up about being carers
When it comes to talking to their employer about caring responsibilities, employees may fear stigma or discrimination. They may also have concerns about career progression or being perceived as less committed than their colleagues.
Some employees may feel they need to turn go part-time or take a step back in their careers. While granting employees leave to give or arrange care is beneficial, there’s opportunity for employers to foster a supportive culture and signpost wider resources.
Christine Husbands says: "Caring can impact someone's ability to work, in fact, it's well documented that many people find the pressures of working and caring too much and choose to leave the workforce entirely, which in turn can take its toll on their finances.”
Other reasons employees may choose not to disclose their caregiving responsibilities can include:
- Lack of awareness: Many don’t realise their role qualifies as caregiving.
- Cultural or personal beliefs: Some see caregiving as a private duty, not to be discussed at work.
- Unclear or absent policies: If workplace policies don’t explicitly mention carers, employees may assume no support is available.
When carers don’t feel safe speaking up, it can lead to stress, burnout and time away from work. Well-supported carers can be a real asset to a workplace as they tend to be organised, compassionate and have many life-skills making them valuable colleagues.
Creating a culture where carers feel safe to share
To support carers effectively, employers are encouraged to foster a culture of openness, trust and inclusion. These methods can help make sure carers feel valued and supported:
- Raise awareness: use internal communications to explain what being a carer is and where to find support.
- Training: give line managers resources for having sensitive, non-judgemental conversations and recognising signs of caregiving pressure.
- Encourage conversations: highlight that your organisation values and supports carers and that any shared information will be respected with no impact to career opportunities.
- Signpost help: RedArc emphasises that carers often feel isolated and overwhelmed. Having someone to talk to - outside of family and friends - can be a lifeline.
Creating a carer-friendly workplace
A carer-friendly workplace benefits everyone. It improves employee wellbeing, retention and productivity. Practical steps can include:
- Clear policies: develop and communicate policies that support carers, including how to request accommodations.
- Flexible working: hybrid setups, compressed hours or flexible shifts can help carers juggle work and life.
- Emergency leave: allowing for short-notice absences due to caregiving demands.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): these can give access to counselling, wellbeing services and mental health support.
- Peer support groups: facilitate connections between carers within your organisation.
- Help carers stay well: share tips and tools on nutrition, fitness and health to help carers look after their mental and physical wellbeing.
- Access to clinical and financial experts: help carers understand medical and financial challenges through partnerships with organisations like Citizens Advice or MoneyHelper.
Resources to help support carers
There are a wide range of resources and support services available to help carers manage their responsibilities. By signposting employees to these sources, employers can play a valuable role in ensuring carers feel informed, supported and less isolated.
- Carers UK: provides toolkits, training and policy templates for employers.
- Citizen’s Advice - help and support for carers.
- Macmillan Cancer Support: information to help with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.
- MoneyHelper - details of financial support available to carers.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): help with supporting young people - from introducing the topic of mental health through to what to do in a crisis.
- NHS Services - find local authority adult social care services.
- NHS Social care and support - support and benefits services.
- NHS Carer Guides - further help and information for carers.
