12 ideas and links for working and caring

You might be an employee, as well as a carer.

Many companies are developing ways to better support carers. This is good for carers, providing income, independence and fulfilment.

But it can also be good for employers. They can gain a more committed workforce who will stay in their role for longer. A 2014 survey found that more than half of carers stopped working because of their caring role, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

6 ways employers can help

• Make sure employees can leave work on time
• Offer carers flexible working hours
• Set up flexible leave arrangements
• Let carers work from home for some or all of the time
• Let carers work from a different office
• Host an employee support group for carers

6 links to help you talk with your employer

You can talk with your employer about ways they could support you in your role as a carer.

You might want to provide them with some links to useful information:

• 10 tips for a carer-friendly workplace gives organisations ideas for small changes that will make a big difference to a carer
• The Carers and Employers program defines best practice standards for supporting staff with caring responsibilities
• How business can support their caregiving employees and Guide for employers; combining work and care [PDF 9.6 MB] give advice on employers can support carers
• The business case for carer-friendly workplaces [PDF 833 KB] and Supporting carers is essential for business tells employers why supporting carers is good for their business

• Work