The latest Bupa Wellbeing Index reveals the dual role of caregiving and career responsibilities affecting over half of the UK workforce.
- Millennials, aged 25-44, are significantly impacted, with 40% acknowledging career setbacks due to family caregiving duties.
- Women report particular challenges, with a quarter feeling their career progression has been hindered by caregiving roles.
- Employees are taking up to six sick days annually for caregiving, affecting productivity and workplace engagement.
- Increased employer support, including healthcare benefits and flexible working, could alleviate workforce caregiving pressures.
The latest findings from the Bupa Wellbeing Index highlight a growing concern for the UK workforce: the balancing act between professional commitments and multigenerational caregiving responsibilities. With 51% of workers indicating a negative impact on their careers, the report underlines a significant societal shift driven by an ageing population. The responsibility of caring for family members across different generations is particularly challenging for millennials, a key demographic in the workforce. This age group, spanning 25 to 44 years, reports a 40% incidence of career impediments linked to caregiving duties, which involve looking after parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.
The research further points out that women in the workforce experience notable setbacks; 25% admit to stalled career advancement due to caregiving obligations. Such statistics raise alarms for businesses reliant on millennial talent, as the dual pressures of employment and caregiving might affect their engagement and long-term retention.
The practical repercussions of these responsibilities are evident in absenteeism. Employees, particularly millennials, reportedly take an average of six days off annually as sick or unpaid leave to fulfil caregiving needs. Additionally, they also sacrifice six days of their annual leave for similar purposes. This scale of absenteeism not only disrupts productivity but also impacts employees’ social and networking opportunities, which are crucial for their growth and career dynamics.
Workplace performance is also compromised, as caregiving affects employees’ concentration, with 14% of respondents acknowledging this issue. For the millennial cohort, the figure rises to 18%. Furthermore, the survey suggests that caregiving concerns result in disturbed sleep for nearly 45% of workers, thereby exacerbating the problem and impacting overall work performance.
Employers can play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges by extending support through appropriate policies and benefits. Employees express a strong preference for resources that manage caregiving duties, with 68% prioritising such support. Programs offering flexible work arrangements align closely with employee needs, with a third seeking these options when considering new roles. Access to private healthcare and insurance also ranks highly, at 20%, as desired benefits for job seekers.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK, emphasises the importance of acknowledging these workforce pressures. He notes the value of early intervention and holistic wellness approaches in preserving employee health and facilitating productive career longevity. Jaureguizar calls on employers to adopt flexible working cultures as a strategic measure to support their employees in maintaining a healthy work-life-caregiving balance.
The Bupa Wellbeing Index underscores the need for enhanced corporate policies to support the dual demands of employment and caregiving across generations.
