| Paul is 42. His father passed away a few years ago and his mom, now in her mid-seventies, continues to live in the family home across town. She gave up her driver’s license a few years ago, and Paul takes care of picking up the groceries and driving her to doctor appointments. He used to visit at least once a week to help with chores or pay a visit, but lately it seems like she needs help every day. Both of Paul’s kids, in their early teens, are active in sports so, when he isn’t driving to see his mom, Paul is chauffeuring the kids to hockey, swimming or basketball. Three months ago, Paul got a promotion at work; he’s been on a steep learning curve for the new position and having to leave in the middle of the day to help his mom has made the transition even more challenging. He takes work home almost every night and spends a few hours in his home office after his family has gone to sleep. He’s tired all the time, but he’s making it work. At least…that’s what he tells himself. If you look around your workplace today, you’re going to find people who are carrying a heavy and often secret burden, even if they don’t think of it as a burden. There are one-million caregivers in Alberta who spend an average of almost two full working days each week (15.1 hours) acting as a caregiver to a family member, friend, neighbour or even a co-worker. And while the act of being a caregiver can be positive and rewarding, the experience can also be demanding and taxing for the caregiver. The mental, emotional and physical pressures of being a caregiver can increase the risk of burnout, stress, anxiety and depression. It’s important for employers to be aware that one in three of their employees are also a caregiver – facing extraordinary challenges and needing support and flexibility in the workplace. One of the challenges for employers when it comes to identifying caregivers in their organization, is that many caregivers don’t identify as being one. Becoming a caregiver might start with a simple trip to the grocery store once a week for an aging parent, or assuming more responsibility around the house to compensate for an ailing spouse. In many situations, the demands continue to grow over time and more hours are invested each week. But, if the caregiver believes these sacrifices are just the natural obligations that go along with being a good son, daughter or friend, they don’t identify as a caregiver, and they don’t reach out for help or support to lighten the load. When the stress of caregiving goes unaddressed, even the most dedicated of employees can become anxious, distracted and burned out. Some of the signs to watch for are: · Having a lack of energy · Frequently calling in sick · Decreased productivity at work · Falling behind on projects · Appear exhausted · Don’t take time for social activities · Being unusually on edge or irritable · Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless For an employer, it’s difficult to monitor the emotional wellbeing of employees, especially in today’s world of hybrid or remote work situations. . Fortunately, help is available. Caregivers Alberta is currently putting the finishing touches on its Work & Care program, designed to create awareness of the challenges experienced by employees with caregiving responsibilities as well as provide employers with the resources to support caregivers in their workplace. Darrel Gregory, executive director of Caregivers Alberta explains, “We’ve had a lot of dialogue with employers as we’ve constructed this program and, almost universally, they have demonstrated a strong desire to keep good people in place, even if it means changing the way they do business. The Work & Care program is a flexible blueprint to make that happen.” The Work & Care program offers resources and training, including: Programs and presentations for staff and management Information and resources for supervisors, HR professionals, employee wellness groups and others Up-to-date materials on best practices Customizable options for organizations Johnna Lowther, director of Programs and Services with Caregivers Alberta, understands the struggles and challenges faced by people who suddenly or gradually find themselves in the caregiver role. “Many of our staff members are caregivers themselves so we know what people are going through. This role can be challenging, demanding and emotionally draining. It’s something you think about 24 hours a day; and it doesn’t take a break on weekends or holidays. But there is help… and that’s what we want people to know.” If you’d like to find out more about the Work & Care program, email office@caregiversalberta.ca, call 1.877.453.5088 or visit the Work & Care web portal. “Working with the caregivers in your workplace to provide them with a positive, flexible environment is a true win-win,” says Gregory. “Employees are grateful and invested, while employers can remain focused on moving forward, not having to find, recruit and train new employees.” Johnna Lowther sums it up. “When an employee is so overwhelmed that they feel as if they’re drowning, having someone who understands can be a powerful and welcome lifeline.” |
The unseen struggles in your workplace…
9th May 2023
