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Why employees hesitate to disclose caregiving issues to HR
Employer Perception
Worried About Career Trajectory
Worried About Career Trajectory
- Research shows that many employees hesitate to disclose caregiving challenges to HR due to fears of being perceived as unable to handle their workload, which can lead to severe consequences.
- According to a study by Mental Health America, caregivers are more likely to experience significant workplace stress that affects both their mental health and relationships.
- This stress often results in absenteeism, distraction, or reduced performance at work. When this goes unaddressed, it can escalate into more severe mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
- SOURCES: The Caring Company & Mental health, caregivers, and the workplace
Worried About Career Trajectory
Worried About Career Trajectory
Worried About Career Trajectory
- Additionally, the Harvard Business School highlights that many companies do not recognize the extent to which caregiving responsibilities impact employee performance and retention.
- Employees often fear that disclosing their caregiving role might negatively affect their career trajectory, leading them to internalize stress and avoid seeking help. This hidden burden can ultimately push them to take extended leave or even exit the workforce altogether.
- SOURCES: The Caring Company
Difficulty Managing Workload
Worried About Career Trajectory
Difficulty Managing Workload
- The Gallup-Healthways survey supports this by indicating that around 70% of working caregivers report difficulties managing their work alongside caregiving, and many experience mental health struggles like depression, which contributes to burnout and the need for medical leave.
- SOURCES: Study Reveals Top Employee Caregiving Challenges Employers Need to Understand
impact of caregiving on employees
1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Usage:
1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Usage:
1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Usage:
- According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), over 60% of caregivers in the workforce have reported taking FMLA or using other unpaid leave options due to caregiving responsibilities.
- Approximately 25% of all FMLA leave taken is related to an employee's need to care for a family member with a serious health condition (U.S. Department of Labor).
2. Impact on Stress and Mental Health:
1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Usage:
1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Usage:
- 53% of working caregivers experience moderate to high levels of emotional stress due to caregiving duties (AARP). -
- A study by Gallup found that caregivers are more likely to report chronic health conditions, with 25% experiencing depression and 15% reporting high levels of anxiety, significantly affecting their job performance along with higher medication usage such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and sleep aids than non-caregivers.
3. Effect on Job Performance:
4. Costly Mistakes and Burnout:
4. Costly Mistakes and Burnout:
- A study by the Harvard Business School revealed that 80% of caregivers said their caregiving responsibilities negatively impacted their productivity at work.
- Employees who are caregivers are nearly two times as likely to make mistakes on the job due to exhaustion and stress (Gallup).
4. Costly Mistakes and Burnout:
4. Costly Mistakes and Burnout:
4. Costly Mistakes and Burnout:
- Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that 70% of caregivers report feeling fatigued or burned out, which can lead to increased errors, decreased concentration, and reduced job efficiency.
- Caregiving employees are 18% more likely to leave their job due to stress or burnout, causing significant turnover costs for companies (National Alliance for Caregiving).
cost of absenteeism
1. The Circadian report specifies that unscheduled absenteeism can cost around $3,600 per year for hourly workers and $2,650 for salaried employees, accounting for replacement labor, productivity loss, and administrative expenses. SOURCES: The Cost of Absenteeism and the Reasons for It & Absenteeism costs employers billions of dollars every year
2. The CDC highlights the significant financial impact of absenteeism in high-demand industries, such as defense, where specialized roles make it more challenging to manage and mitigate productivity losses. SOURCES: Worker Illness and Injury Costs U.S. Employers $225.8 Billion Annually & The True Cost of Employee Absenteeism
3. Employees who are caregivers are more likely to use FMLA leave, which can be costly for the company due to lost productivity, administrative expenses, and temporary staffing needs. SOURCE: https://www.bmwe.org/cms/file/12152023_093004_FMLASERVICEMEMBER.PDF