The Negative Space

?? Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace: A Guide for Leaders & Colleagues We often talk about work-life balance, but what about our colleagues who are juggling work while caring for loved ones? As an organization passionate about helping create workplaces that are inclusive and supportive of caregivers, we want to share some simple but powerful practices and resources that can make a real difference. 1. Reach out. Don't wait for them to ask for help or share an update. A simple "I'm thinking of you," can mean the world. 2. Be specific in your support. Instead of "Let me know if you need anything," try "I'm going to the store to get treats for the office party. What can I grab for you to save you the trip?" Concrete offers are easier to accept. 3. Resist toxic positivity. "Everything happens for a reason," rarely helps. Sometimes just listening and acknowledging, "This is really tough," is exactly what's needed. 4. Hold back on problem-solving. Most caregivers aren't looking for solutions, but are longing to be heard and validated. 5. Remember that caregiving isn't a one-dimensional experience. While challenges exist, many find profound meaning and moments of joy in their caregiving journey. Let them share both the light and heavy moments. 6. Most importantly: Keep showing up. Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. Your consistent presence and support matters more than any single grand gesture. Don't forget: The Negative Space can provide direct support to the caregivers in your work world. We offer: -Webinars geared toward working caregivers? -"In Sickness" podcast - Nearly 100 episodes covering diverse caregiving experiences - Regular virtual support groups aligned with podcast topics - Accessible coaching options - Thoughtfully curated caregiver gift boxes Has your workplace implemented any successful caregiver support initiatives? Share your experiences below! #CaregiverSupport #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #Leadership #WorkplaceInclusion #HumanResources #CorporateCulture

??? Excited to share Episode 99 of the *In Sickness* podcast: Caregiving Across the Ages. Being a caregiver knows no age limit. Whether you're a young adult caring for a parent, a grandparent supporting their spouse, or somewhere in between, this episode dives deep into the unique challenges and profound insights that come with caregiving at different life stages. We explore the intergenerational dynamics of caregiving, share stories from folks of various ages, geographic locations, and forms of caregiving, and discuss how these experiences shape our schooling, employment decisions, relationships, finances, and more. Listen, share, and join us for a virtual support group on this topic on Sunday, November 24 from 6-7:15pm CT. Listen: www.insickness.care Register for Support Group: https://lnkd.in/gMyszNyx

It's #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth!

So thrilled to share that our founder and Executive Director, Allison Breininger, was prominently featured in the November issue of Real Simple magazine in a beautiful story on Caring for Caregivers. Grab a copy this weekend and share with the caregivers in your life AND those who want to know how to show up for them. #startseeingcaregivers #careforthecaregivers #carecantwait #NationalCaregiverMonth #caregiving #caregiver

STOP telling caregivers (or any exhausted human) to take care of themselves! As Nakita Valerio said, "Shouting self care when what people need is community care is how we fail them." The more we understand about the challenges of caregiving, the more we may worry about those in our lives who have this role, which may lead us to using this wholly unhelpful and actually insensitive phrase. Check out the alternative in the second slide and try that instead. Not able to offer specific support because your own plate is full? If funds allow, send a DoorDash card. If not, simply acknowledge that they are doing a lot and that you see them. That, in itself, is a gift. Caregivers: hop in! How does it feel when people say this to you? What do you wish people would say or do instead?

Thank you to KARE11, our local NBC affiliate, for this beautiful piece highlighting the ways we provide support for caregivers. Please share widely so that we can continue to shine light on the reality of caregiving and change the way caregivers are seen and supported. https://lnkd.in/gkAxXmah

I am thrilled to share that The Negative Space is partnering with the American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge Minneapolis to show love to caregivers! ?? Thanks to a grant from the CDC and MDH, 142 caregivers will receive one of our "I'm Part of the Story" caregiver gift boxes upon check in. Want to help us continue this incredible partnership beyond the current grant OR are you interested in providing these meaningful gifts to caregivers in your organization, group, or place of worship? Send me a message!! https://lnkd.in/gkbaSyUZ #NationalCaregiversDay #startseeingcaregivers #CaregiverSupport #cancercaregiver #careforthecaregiver #caregivergifts #caregiving

It's?#nationalcaregiversday?and as both a seasoned caregiver and the founder of?The Negative Space, I can tell you confidently: caregivers are not fine. Family caregivers spend an average of 37.4 hours/week caring for their loved one in addition to working, parenting, adulting, etc. The least we can do is take five minutes today to show them some love. Here's the plan: 1. Send some love to a caregiver in your life (ideas in the video) 2. Snap a photo and share to social media, encouraging your community to join this love brigade. Tag?The Negative Space?and use the hashtag?#startseeingcaregivers. Let's do this! #nationalcaregiversday?#startseeingcaregivers?#caregiver?#caregivers?#caregiversupport?#workingcaregivers?#workingwhilecaregiving?#cancercaregivers?#spousalcaregivers?#sandwichcaregivers?#eldercare?#careforthecaregiver