Support Your Employees with Caregiving

Caregiving is likely impacting your team more than you realize. A recent Harvard Business School study found that 73% of U.S. employees have caregiving responsibilities, yet only 24% of employers recognize its impact on productivity. This disconnect often leads talented employees to leave their roles—especially young professionals. Here’s how you can support your caregiving employees more effectively.

Gather data. Collect information on how caregiving affects your employees. Survey your teams, engage with ERGs, and learn from other companies leading in this area.

Broaden the conversation. Caregiving isn’t just childcare. Show openness to conversations about a range of caregiving responsibilities—from managing a child’s mental health to caring for an ill family member.

Revise policies and culture. Create flexible, stigma-free benefits that support caregivers across all demographics. Normalize care leave for everyone.

Recognize caregivers’ strengths. Caregivers often excel in empathy, problem-solving, and time management, bringing invaluable skills to the workplace. Acknowledge and reward these skills.

Advocate for policy change. Support policies that benefit caregivers broadly, such as paid leave, affordable childcare, and fair scheduling.

This tip is adapted from “Your Employees Are Also Caregivers. Here’s How to Support Them ,” by Gretchen Gavett.