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Caregiving and Grief Issues in the Workplace

Many older workers have caregiving responsibilities - for their children, their parents, or both. This can create stress that interferes with productivity.

Workplace grief can also lead to lower productivity and a higher incidence of injuries.

You can help employees juggle challenges at home so that they remain productive at work.

Here are quick facts on:

• Workers' concerns about caregiving,
• What workplace grief costs employers, and
• Resources for employers and employees.

Older workers and caregiving

AARP's 2002 "Staying Ahead of the Curve" study shows that workers age 45 and over have home-front concerns that are numerous and pressing. Caring for a spouse, parent, grandchild, or other person is a major concern.

When asked which life changes have occurred in the last five years, 31 percent of workers told AARP that they became responsible for the care of a parent. This responsibility often weighs more heavily on racial and ethnic minorities. They report a higher rate of becoming responsible for a parent over the last five years than do their white counterparts.

Older workers and grief

Employers are becoming more aware of the workplace effects of grief.

A recent Grief Recovery Institute study revealed that workplace grief costs US employers over $75 billion a year in reduced productivity and more workplace injuries.

Resources for Employers and Employees

Employees do not need to sacrifice productivity at work because of the growing need to juggle challenges at home. Employers can help their employees more easily manage their caregiving responsibilities and grief issues.

You can offer your employees information about resources that have proven to be lifesavers for workers who need help and peace of mind. AARP recommends these Web sites:

Caregiving
Refer your employees to AARP tips on all aspects of caregiving, from balancing family responsibilities with work to finding community services that will help.

Grief and Loss
AARP's collection of resources can help your employees cope better after a loss and know where to turn for help.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: The AARP Work and Career Study
Find out what older workers want and need. Choose the summary or the full report of this 2002 AARP/RoperASW study.

Aging With Dignity
Help employees get advice and legal tools on end-of-life issues. Many employers offer the "Five Wishes at Work" information packet as an employee benefit. For a very small fee, order the Employer Packet to get started.

Grief at Work
The American Hospice Foundation serves both grieving and terminally ill people of all ages. For a small fee, order their "Grief at Work" booklet for your employees and managers. A more detailed manual outlines grief-related policies and practices. Contact the Foundation to arrange in-person workshops.

Benefits Check-Up
Refer employees to this free, confidential, on-line screening tool that helps identify over 1,500 federal and state aid programs. A great resource for family members and long-distance caregivers.

Elder Care Locator
This free, national service provides contact information for local aging services in every community. Your employees can call toll-free at 800-677-1116 weekdays or use the Web site to find services to help family members.

Family Caregiver Alliance
Refer your managers and employees to this Web site. Get information on caregiving topics from relocating your parents to details about diseases and how to cope with them.

The Hidden Annual Costs of Grief in America's Workplace
Register on the Grief Recovery Institute's Web site to receive their 2003 report. They studied more than 25,000 workers in all types of businesses to calculate the costs of grief.