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Although most caregivers have risen to the occasion during the pandemic, not many are eager to continue doing so.
Nearly seven in 10 say they are ready for whatever challenges may arise when it comes to caregiving responsibilities, but almost half also say they couldn't handle another year like the last one, according to the latest American Caregivers study from Fidelity Investments.
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More than four in 10 of those caring for children say they'll "fall apart" if school or professional childcare doesn't return to normal soon.
Perhaps as a result, 43 percent of working caregivers may be forced to choose between their job and caregiving responsibilities in the coming year.
For those who have been handling caregiving duties and are still working at home, feelings about returning to in-person work are mixed. Thirty-six percent say they are looking forward to returning to work in person, because it will represent a return to normal, but almost one quarter are dreading the return because of the added stress it will bring to the day.
"Caregiving has become increasingly complex over the last few years, placing an uneven weight on many women, who all too often shoulder the brunt of family caregiving duties," said Stacey Watson, senior vice president of life event planning at Fidelity Investments. "While close to two-thirds of caregivers say the emotional toll is their heaviest burden, this may be because so many Americans are doing their best to juggle both caregiving and work. For some, handling both may be becoming too much."
Balancing the competing demands of caregiving for either a child or older adult and remaining in the workforce continues to be a huge challenge for many.
All told, 44 percent of working caregivers reported a diverse range of negative impacts to their work routine, including such struggles as feeling distracted or less productive while working and needing to take extra time off, to more serious consequences, such as being unable to pursue a promotion or new job, being passed over for a promotion, raise or bonus, or worst case, leaving their job or retiring early.
One practical solution to improve this situation is to actively seek out help from one's employer, which may include asking about greater flexibility as well as financial and emotional support benefits. Nevertheless, only 40 percent of working caregivers who were eligible said they asked their employer about resources to help with caregiving needs.
Interestingly, men with care responsibilities were more likely than women to ask about company options (42 percent vs. 37 percent), demonstrating the opportunity that exists for employers to do more to increase awareness and help more women feel comfortable raising their hands when help is needed.
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Alan Goforth
Alan Goforth is a freelance writer in suburban Kansas City. In addition to freelancing for several publications, he has written a dozen books about sports and other topics.
