A new report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America says that the percentage of full-time working Americans who also manage caregiving duties for a loved one has risen sharply since 2019. During that time period 38% of Americans were caring for loved ones while working. In 2025, that percentage has grown to 43%.
“With nearly half of full-time workers also taking on caregiving roles, today’s workforce continues to undergo a profound transformation that will only accelerate in the years ahead,” says Stacey Hoin, Chief Human Resources Officer at Guardian. “As almost one out of every two employees is now a caregiver, retaining this talent is a business imperative for employers and HR professionals. Given the impact of caregiving on an employee’s mental, physical, and financial wellness, it’s essential that we offer support that addresses these interconnected needs.”
In years past, this has really hit women hard. In 2023, Guardian noted that 56% of caregivers were women. However, in 2025 that has reversed where 57% of men are working and providing care, whereas 43% of women are doing that. Why?
Because Guardian surveys full-time working Americans only, it’s possible that instead of a dramatic gender shift in caregiving, women are actually doubling down on this responsibility by departing the workforce entirely. They are more likely than men to feel that they have to leave the workforce when their balancing act becomes unmanageable.
According to the report, caregivers with access to relevant support at work report better overall wellbeing and mental health, as well as less stress. In contrast, nearly half of caregivers who lack resources or assistance from their companies report low overall wellbeing. Also, 48% of caregivers are more likely to have experienced increased anxiety and depression over the past year.
Providing resources for caregivers can also minimize the need for employees to take one or multiple leaves of absence. This is particularly important given that Guardian found that one-third of caregivers who take a leave to care for family members end up taking another leave for themselves.
“Employers have a real opportunity to make a difference for working caregivers, whether through offering dedicated mental health and caregiving wellness services, flexible schedules, equitable paid leave benefits, or employee assistance programs through their benefits,” said Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health at Guardian.
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