Caregivers need more support from employers

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A survey carried out by the labour movement shows that working families with caregiving responsibilities need more support from employers.

Those surveyed were aged between 21 and 65, and about half of them were in the age gap of 36 and 45.

70 per cent of them were women and 30 per cent were men, while 85 per cent were married and 15 per cent were single.

60 per cent of those surveyed said they struggle with time in caring for their children, aged parents or family members with special needs. On average, they spend 30 hours each week caring for their dependents.

The majority of the working caregivers said they do not have the relevant support from their employers to make their caregiving role easier. 62 per cent do not have any Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) benefits at their workplaces.

77 per cent do not enjoy any eldercare leave from their employers. To take care of their dependents, the working caregivers would apply for annual or sick leave, or arrive late or leave work early.

Among the working caregivers surveyed, over a quarter or 27 per cent have multiple dependents to care for, such as children, aged parents or family members with special needs.

For those who chose to leave the workforce, they also said flexible working hours or arrangement is the most crucial factor in attracting them back to work, followed closely by financial needs and concerns.