Canadian employees with caregivering responsibilities are facing rising levels of stress, lost income and workplace strain, according to a new survey by virtual-care platform Maple Corp.
The survey, which polled more than 1,500 employees, found working caregivers were almost twice as likely as non-caregivers to miss work due to mental-health reasons (10 per cent compared to six per cent, respectively). A third of caregivers experienced burnout and half said balancing work and caregiving ranked among their top economic stressors.
Read: 6.1 million Canadian workers juggling jobs and caregiving: report
A majority of caregivers used vacation time (60 per cent) or sick days (63 per cent) to manage appointments and responsibilities. Among those caring for children, 74 per cent said they used sick days for childcare needs rather than their own health. More than half said caregiving affected their ability to focus or be productive at work and two-thirds said juggling both roles caused significant stress. The survey noted lost time, absenteeism and presenteeism tied to caregiving and delayed care contributed to productivity losses that cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars each year.
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of caregivers aged 18 to 34 reassessed or delayed career goals and nearly a quarter of those aged 55 and older delayed retirement because of reduced earning power or lost wages. More than a quarter reported losing wages after attending medical appointments for dependents, while transportation barriers added further strain.
‘Sandwich generation’ caregivers reported some of the highest levels of pressure. Three-quarters (76 per cent) said they’re worried that supporting ageing parents would affect their work hours and roughly two-thirds said they fear impacts on career progression or job security. Many had already adjusted their workload, with two-thirds reducing their hours, tasks or responsibilities to manage competing demands.
The survey noted employers could play a larger role in supporting caregivers through improved benefit design and better access to timely care. While 58 per cent of caregivers said their employer helped them with health-related issues, nearly half reported their benefits plan didn’t make it easier to access convenient or timely health care. Caregivers supporting ageing parents or elderly relatives were the least likely to feel supported, with only 55 per cent saying their benefits helped them access appropriate care.
Read: Employers can support caregivers with enhanced benefits, inclusive conversations: experts