12 Things to Know

Employed caregivers often hide their caregiving status in the workplace, in part because of the stigma and discrimination that they can receive.

Because of this invisibility, the struggles and strengths of caregivers are often unknown in the workplace. In a way, it has been one of those problems that people don't know about until they start experiencing it.

Professionals Who Care is dedicated to giving employed caregivers a voice. We have a lot to say, but here are 12 things you can know quickly.

Caregiver spending time with their loved one

32,200,000 million employed caregivers in America

1

There are 32.2 million employed caregivers

in American who are providing unpaid care to someone disabled, ill, injured, or aging, while also working.

50% of caregivers report no choice in being the caregiver

2

Nearly 50% of caregivers report no choice

in taking on the responsibility.

Employed caregiving rates have increased

3

Employed caregiving rates have greatly increased.

Medical cost cutting
Women in the workforce
Decreased social supports
Aging baby boomer generation
Psychiatric hospitals deinstitutionalization

4

Caregivers face a unique burden.

Time Loss
Identity Loss
Financial Loss

Relationship Loss
Physical and Mental Health Loss

5

Instead of offering inclusivity, the workplace

often increases the caregiver burden.

6

The “ideal worker” standard in the workplace is in-person, traditional hours, and without interruption. This industrial revolution construct was last relevant in the 1950’s, yet people are still measured by this outdated standard today.

Discrimination for caregivers in the workplace

7

Employed caregivers routinely face discrimination, stigma, and marginalization.

Flexibility Bias
Prescriptive Bias
Descriptive Bias
Leniency Bias
Stigma-by-Association
Professional Gaslighting

marginalization between caregivers in the workplace

8

Discrimination against employed caregivers re-enforces difficulties for marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

Women
People of color
Military families
Single parent homes
Those disabled in rural settings
Those facing financial insecurity

9

Employed caregivers have limited protections.

Little awareness
Limited legal protections
Limited connection to disability supports
Little inclusion in workplace supports
Limited training for supervisors

Time for change with caregivers rights in the workplace

10

Time for change is now.

Technology has revolutionized the workplace
The workplace better understands the financial benefits of inclusivity
The pandemic proved the possibilities of remote and flexible work schedules

benefits of inclusivity of caregivers rights in the workplace

11

Proven benefits for this inclusivity are widespread, improving:

Outcomes for care recipients
Employed caregiver health
Employed caregivers' workplace success
Morale and retention for all employees
Employer profits
National economic security

Celebrating making a difference for caregivers

12

Employed caregivers should be celebrated not marginalized. Caregivers experience a growth in soft skills, with higher levels of:

Personal strength
Empathy & values
Psychological maturity & stress tolerance
Time management capabilities
Communication abilities
Leadership skills

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