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Caregiving is a reality millions of employees navigate daily. In Australia, around 3 million people (11.9% of the population) provide informal care, and 57% of carers are employed or actively looking for work*, highlighting the challenge of balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside a career. For the sandwich generation, caught between raising kids and supporting aging parents, the pressure is even greater.
As caregiving demands grow, organisations can’t afford to ignore the impact. People leaders must recognise hidden caregiving needs and provide support — so employees are ready to thrive both on the job and at home.
The caregiving conundrum: balancing child care, elder care, and workforce pressures
These workers face financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and stalled career growth, yet many stay quiet, fearing judgment or career setbacks. When employees aren't comfortable speaking up, here are key signs they may be struggling with caregiving responsibilities:
- Increased absenteeism
- Deceased productivity
- Declining emotional health
- Lack of participation in career advancement
- Isolation
Because caregiving challenges often run deeper than what’s visible on the surface, the question is: How can businesses recognize these caregiving struggles and take action to support employees before they hit a breaking point?
The hidden drain on your workforce and bottom line
The impact of caregiving extends beyond the individual employee. More than half of Australian carers remain in or seeking paid employment while providing care, and employer organisations report that unsupported caregiving responsibilities contribute to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and workforce turnover`. Providing flexibility and support can help organisations retain experienced employees and reduce recruitment and training costs.
The good news? Employers who proactively recognise and support caregiving challenges can foster a healthier, more engaged workforce while strengthening their bottom line.
Supporting the sandwich generation: strategies to ease caregiving pressures
Balancing child care and elder care is no small feat for sandwiched employees, but the right workplace support can make all the difference. Here are four ways People leaders can step up:
- Start the conversation: Encourage open dialogue to understand employees’ caregiving challenges and identify meaningful ways to help.
- Embrace workplace flexibility: Flexible hours, remote work, and job-sharing opportunities can empower employees to manage caregiving without derailing their careers.
- Offer caregiving support services: Resources like care management platforms, legal guidance, and financial planning assistance can help employees confidently navigate long-term care needs.
- Provide reliable back-up care: Provide reliable care solutions for both children and aging family members through trusted partners — easing the burden on your employees and business alike.
Champion caregiving support across generations with Bright Horizons Australia
The growing demands of the sandwich generation are reshaping workforce needs, making it essential to support employees juggling child and elder care responsibilities. By recognising caregiving challenges and implementing flexible, comprehensive solutions, businesses can foster a more engaged, productive workforce.
To help support employees through every stage of their care journey, we're pleased to introduce Care Advisory – Aged Care, now available as part of the Bright Horizons - Australia Work + Family Solutions benefit. Contact us to learn more.
~ The Sandwich Generation in Australia | Australian Seniors | Australian Seniors
