Care or career – it doesn't have to be a choice
Do you know which one of your nearest eight colleagues provides
unpaid care for a loved one? The number of working adults who
juggle unpaid carer's responsibilities is high, hidden, and
growing. Most working Aussies will have unpaid care
responsibilities intrude regularly throughout their careers. Many
won't feel comfortable exercising their right to request
flexible working arrangements for fear of 'flexism'. But
without appropriate support to balance work and family
responsibilities, carers' own wellbeing and productivity can
suffer and in the worst case, they may exit the workforce
completely.
As the demands on working carers increase, employers who create
a culture of care, where the challenges for working carers are
understood and flexible working arrangements are mainstream, will
be best-placed to attract and retain diverse talent.
