An overwhelming majority (92%) of working caregivers are concerned about the impact of rising costs and the current economy on their families, according to a new survey from the caregiver support platform Homethrive. Additionally, more than 75% of respondents report taking or considering actions that negatively impact their financial wellbeing — such as incurring debt, turning down a promotion, or dipping into emergency savings.

Conducted by YouGov, the “Financial State of Family Caregivers Survey” includes insight from more than 2,000 adults in the United States, including nearly 500 employed family caregivers. It sheds light on the mounting financial, emotional, and logistical burdens shouldered by unpaid caregivers in the U.S. — and how those challenges are impacting today’s workforce. The results, Homethrive officials say, reveal a growing crisis that’s quietly reshaping the employee experience.

“Caregivers make up a significant portion of today’s workforce, often balancing unseen responsibilities at home in addition to their jobs,” Dave Jacobs, Homethrive’s co-CEO and co-founder, said in a statement. “Employers have a powerful opportunity to recognize and support these valuable team members in ways that boost wellbeing, performance, and retention.”

An overlooked segment of the workforce

An estimated 73% of U.S. adults provide some form of unpaid care for a child, aging parent, or loved one with a chronic condition, disability, or neurodivergence, according to Homethrive. Some even care simultaneously for both children and older adults. The stress related to these responsibilities, the survey indicates, are prompting many working caregivers to rethink their jobs.

Here are five key takeaways from the survey:

  • 70% of respondents say caregiving affects their ability to be present and focused at work.
  • 66% of respondents say their caregiving role has negatively impacted their career advancement opportunities.
  • 42% of respondents have or are considering taking extended leave, sabbatical, or family leave to manage caregiving responsibilities.
  • 51% of respondents have or are considering leaving the workforce or seeking more flexible employment.
  • 75% would leave their current employer for one that offers caregiving benefits.

How can employers help?

Despite the significant challenges caregivers face, only 57% of those surveyed wished their employer offered more benefits and support, according to the survey. But the good news is that more than half of employers say they plan to expand caregiver benefits within the next three years.

“Caregivers bring incredible strength and resilience to the workplace,” Jacobs said. “When organizations recognize and support that, everyone wins.”

The survey report includes examples of several caregiver benefits that have been popular and helpful at companies. They include benefits for eldercare, disabilities and neurodivergence, end of life and loss, backup care, child care, and Medicare navigation.

“As attitudes towards caregivers shift and employees are increasingly drawn towards organizations that provide them with the understanding they need, caregiving benefits are becoming one of the most popular family and dependent care benefits, second only to family leave and even more popular than childcare alone,” the survey report concludes. “Organizations have a clear opportunity to invest in stronger caregiving support — before the financial, logistical, and emotional strains of caregiving begin to impact their employees and the business.”

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