12 ideas and links for working and caring
2 minute read
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
Have you thought about
Helpful links
Find out about your rights at work from the Fair Work Ombudsman website, or call 13 13 94