Many employees are taking on other responsibilities these days, including the role of family caregiver. Employers who want to see their staff succeed and contribute to a healthy working environment should make it easier for them to balance the many tasks in their lives. When an employee is happy, it will show through his or her work. Here are some of the ways employers can help family caregivers balance work life with caregiving duties.
1. Suggest Flextime
Today, more employers are allowing their staff scheduling flexibility. For example, an employee can choose to work more hours Monday through Thursday and leave early on Fridays or take the entire day off. This flexibility gives employees who are caregivers the ability to oversee their loved one’s doctor visits and other caregiving tasks without stressing out over missing work. An employer who offers flextime can show his or her staff they are valued as people and not just employees.
2. Offer Telecommuting
Sometimes an employee’s aging parent will become seriously ill or need to recover from a surgical procedure, requiring the employee to take extended time off. Employers who offer their staff the option to telecommute are giving them the ability to take care of their personal needs and still get their work tasks done. In many cases, employees who telecommute are more productive because they’re able to work with a clear mind instead of stressing over balancing their work and caregiving schedule.
Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of
Des Moines senior care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
3. Encourage Creativity
Some caregivers don’t have time to pursue personal goals, work a full-time job, and handle their caregiving tasks. An employer should provide staff with a personal area in the office building where they can go to enhance their creative thoughts. Employers should also offer their staff educational courses and training that help them grasp creative projects with more awareness. Stimulating creativity can boost an employee’s efficiency and provide a better sense of balance, which is great for business.
4. Ask Employees What They Need
If there’s an issue, an employer will not know unless he or she asks. By asking employees what they need, employers can understand what changes need to be made to accomplish a good work-life balance, which can be done through employee surveys and random polling at the office. As a result, employers can implement the necessary solutions.
Family caregivers who need time away from their caregiving duties should consider hiring a professional caregiver. When considering home care, Des Moines, IA, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
5. Promote Health Initiatives
Family caregivers need to practice self-care, which includes eating healthy, exercising, and going to the doctor and the dentist on a regular basis. Staying healthy is often difficult to do because of time constraints. However, when employers promote health initiatives and sponsor events at work, they can boost their employees’ mental and physical wellbeing. Employers can offer their workers discounted gym memberships or provide reimbursement for health products such as workout gear and health appliances, which allows employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and it can boost a company’s image.
In
Des Moines, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family. Call Home Care Assistance at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our premier in-home care plans.