The workforce is undergoing a significant shift—by 2025, more employees will be caring for elderly loved ones than raising children. With an estimated 600 employees leaving work every day to manage caregiving responsibilities, businesses can no longer afford to overlook this growing challenge. To retain talent, maintain productivity, and control costs, companies must take proactive steps to support their employees.
The introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act in 2023 signaled a clear shift in employer responsibilities, reinforcing the need for businesses to accommodate workers who care for aging relatives. Implementing a comprehensive elder care support strategy is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:
1. Reducing Absences & Increasing Productivity
Employees with caregiving responsibilities often face unplanned absences or struggle with mental disengagement—physically at work but preoccupied with their loved ones’ needs. A strong elder care strategy, including flexible working arrangements and practical care solutions like Homeshare, helps alleviate this burden. By providing employees with reliable care options, businesses can reduce absenteeism, improve focus, and enhance overall productivity.
2. Enhancing Employee Well-Being & Retention
A recent study from TakingCare discovered that one in three adults would consider leaving their job if a parent needed support and care.
Additionally, employees who choose to stay at their jobs without employer benefits to support caring for the elderly often experience burnout, and mental health challenges. Therefore, ensuring that employees who are caring for the elderly have support can not only provide a positive workplace but also increase job satisfaction and employee retention.
3. Supporting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Goals
Elder care responsibilities disproportionately affect women, minority communities, and lower-income employees, often creating career progression barriers. A dedicated elder care strategy ensures all employees, regardless of background, have the support needed to thrive.
Thus, forward-thinking businesses that prioritise elder care policies will set themselves apart as industry leaders in workplace inclusivity.
4. Strengthening Employer Branding & Attracting Talent
In today’s competitive job market, benefits can be a deciding factor for candidates when choosing an employer. In fact, an Adler survey found that 25% of UK workers value benefits more than their base salary.
A strong elder care policy therefore not only helps retain existing staff but also makes the company more appealing to new talent. When employees see that their personal and family needs are valued, they’re more likely to choose to join and stay with an organisation.
5. Future-Proofing Against Workforce Demands
The UK has an aging population as such the elder care problem in the workforce will only continue to grow. Organisations that proactively implement elder care strategies will be better prepared to retain employees, maintain productivity and reduce turnover costs in the years ahead.
How Two Generations Can Help
Our Homeshare scheme offers a unique corporate benefit connecting employees’ elderly relatives with vetted live-in companions, reducing caregiving stress while keeping employees engaged and productive.
Benefits for Employers:
✔ Retain top talent & reduce absenteeism
✔ Improve productivity & workplace morale
✔ Align with DEI & ESG goals
✔ Minimal admin—employees contract directly with Two Generations
Learn more about our corporate offering here.