Employers must now consider compelling perks to bring employees back and set them up for better work-life balance. By demonstrating organizational workplace awareness and a modern reevaluation of policies, employers will most authentically convey that they value the people who work for them — perhaps the ultimate retention tool. Here are five tips for employers to better integrate caregiving support:

Ask! It's so simple and yet so often not done. Consider polling your team to find out if they want/need support for personal caregiving — either for children or older adults. Their needs may have changed since they were last in the office and this will help you to understand, and help to meet, their challenges.
Provide flexible models. A 2015 AARP report estimated that two-thirds of caregivers were forced to make adjustments to their work-life balance, which ranged from minor inconveniences, such as tardiness, to leaving the workforce altogether; and one-fifth of caregivers had elected to take a voluntary leave of absence at some juncture. This not only hurts employees, but also impacts employers. COVID proved that remote work is possible for many industries, paving the way for more flexible work-from-home models that are especially vital for people providing personal care.
Caregiver Time-Off. Caring for aging or ill relatives is often uncertain and unexpected, which is why it's important to reset definitions of how paid time off can be used. The long-term benefit: better retention and a more productive and engaged workforce. Companies such as Intel, CBS, and Bank of America are leading the way and already provide these benefits, as are some innovative younger tech firms, and organizations like AARP.
Make it easier. Consider subsidizing remote caregiving solutions that enable employees to get at-a-glance status updates and have check-in functionality from an app or a portal so they can have peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and healthy, even when at a distance.
Share resources. In a recent Caring Company survey, three out of four (73%) employees reported having some type of current caregiving responsibility. Yet many companies have remained silent on a topic that's impacting a significant portion of their workforce. Whether it's connecting employees with relevant services or sharing specialized resources, employers can play an active role in supporting caregivers in the workplace.

Every day, 10,000 U.S. boomers turn 65. According to research, more than 80% of Americans want to stay in their homes as they age. At some point, many of these older, independent adults will need ongoing assistance, and more often than not that responsibility will fall to family members who ultimately serve as the backbone of long-term care. But who is caring for the caregiver?

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5 things you can (and should) do to help your employee caregivers

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