More than half of working caregivers would change jobs if it meant having access to a family caregiving coordination benefit, roughly two-thirds of workers don’t have that access, and 85% say they’d take advantage if their current employer offered such a benefit, according to ”Homethrive’s 2022 Employee Caregiving Survey.”

Each year, Homethrive performs an employee survey to gauge how caregivers are feeling and faring as they balance their lives.

2022’s results are startling:

  • A 151% increase in the number of employees spending 9+ work hours per week on caregiving compared to 2021’s survey
  • A 79% increase in the number of employees spending 5+ work hours per week on caregiving compared to last year
  • A 40% increase in the number of employees whose supervisors are aware of their caregiving responsibilities

Survey respondents are clearly stretched thin balancing careers and caregiving:

  • 56% of employees worry that caregiving will negatively impact their job performance
  • 38% of employees left work early due to their responsibilities
  • 37% of employees missed days of work
  • 35% of employees had to rearrange work schedules

Additionally, unpaid caregivers are coordinating care for loved ones in a variety of ways:

  • 77% go grocery shopping
  • 75% drive to doctor’s appointments or other services
  • 70% complete housekeeping tasks
  • 65% arrange or prepare meals
  • 61% assist with medications

The data reinforces that working caregivers are struggling.

Another recent survey conducted by Homethrive found nearly 70% fear they’ll have to quit their jobs without paid in-home care.

“Unpaid family caregivers are unsung heroes,” said Homethrive’s Vice President of Marketing, Bonni Kaplan DeWoskin. “Our second annual ‘Employee Caregiving Survey’ reveals their workloads show no signs of letting up, and this underserved, yet growing population, is demanding help from their employers; they’re willing to leave their jobs unless they get it.”

About the Study

The ”Second Annual Employee Caregiving Survey“ was conducted via a third-party survey provider in August 2022. We surveyed two hundred adults in the U.S. who work while also providing support for loved ones, asking them how their caregiving responsibilities impact their employment, well-being, and lives. Respondents were 60.5% female and 39.5% male and from a variety of industries. 75% of respondents are currently providing support for loved ones who are aging and/or have a disability.

[Source(s): Homethrive, Business Wire]