Care and work: what employers can do
The situation for family carers has improved noticeably in recent years. Nevertheless, employees with caring responsibilities are still under considerable strain. Tips for employers on how they can support employees with caring responsibilities.
The reforms to long-term care insurance - particularly the Care Reinforcement Act III - have noticeably improved the situation for family caregivers. Employers are also increasingly committed to getting the topic of "reconciling care and work" out of the taboo zone. They are sensitizing their teams and developing creative solutions to create better conditions for affected employees with double and multiple burdens. Some companies are pooling their activities in networks so that their employees can devote themselves to family care responsibilities.
Heavy burden of care
This development is very welcome and is evidence of a general rethink in the world of work. Nevertheless, according to the 2020 Care Report by the Scientific Institute of the AOK (WIdO), those affected continue to feel that caring for someone is a heavy burden in terms of time and mental strain. It is striking that the average financial contribution of households is only 250 euros. So money does not seem to be the problem. Most family caregivers would like their individual needs to be given greater consideration. As the report also makes clear, the commitment of family members to each other is very unevenly distributed and outpatient services can hardly cover the need for "carer time". It would therefore be helpful to have more relief offers from people who take on care work in specific cases - by being there and providing support with household chores, care and personal hygiene.
Care guides, volunteering, flexibility: what employers can do
A lot has happened in recent years. Employers are on the right track with their considerations and measures. Flexible and individual solutions for family caregivers in the working world will continue to be of great importance and will become more urgent. In addition, donations of time by volunteers from the workforce would be an important first step.
The "company care guides", who are being trained in more and more companies, have also proved their worth. They are available to their colleagues as a first point of contact and offer support. They know which initial steps those affected need to take and provide information about local support and specialist agencies.
The pme Familienservice trains company employees at various locations to become company care guides. For individual offers in your area, please contact your nearest pme location.
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On behalf of more than 900 employers, the pme Familienservice Group supports employees in achieving a successful work-life balance and being able to work with a clear head.
The pme Familienservice Group supports working people in crises, e.g. in the event of conflicts at work, addiction or partnership problems. With a homecare eldercare service, it helps working people to organize and finance care services and offers psychosocial support. The pme Academy offers seminars, workshops and coaching on the topics of personnel management and development.
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