Carer Networks and Support

Employers have a vested interest in supporting unpaid carers to promote employee well-being, retention, productivity, legal compliance, diversity, and corporate social responsibility.  

There are many reasons why employers should support unpaid carers in their workforce:

Employee Well-being:

Supporting unpaid carers can contribute to the overall well-being of employees. Carers often face significant stress and challenges balancing their caregiving responsibilities with work. Providing support can help alleviate some of this stress, leading to improved mental and physical health for the employee.  

Retention and Loyalty:

By supporting unpaid carers, employers can increase employee retention and loyalty. Carers may feel more valued and supported in their workplace, reducing the likelihood of them seeking employment elsewhere.  

Productivity:

When employees feel supported in managing their caregiving responsibilities, they are likely to be more productive at work. Providing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible scheduling, can enable carers to fulfil their caregiving duties while still meeting their work commitments.  

Legal and Ethical Obligations:

Employers now are required to provide unpaid carers with up to 5 days unpaid leave per annum to accommodate caregiving responsibilities. Failing to provide this support to unpaid carers could lead to legal ramifications and damage to the employer's reputation.  

Diversity and Inclusion:

Supporting unpaid carers promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Many carers belong to marginalized groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, or individuals with disabilities. By accommodating their needs, employers demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.  

Corporate Social Responsibility:

Supporting unpaid carers aligns with corporate social responsibility initiatives. It reflects positively on the organisation's values and commitment to supporting its employees beyond just their professional roles.  

Carer Networks

A carer network provides a dedicated platform for employees who are also unpaid carers to connect with one another. It creates a supportive community where carers can share experiences, resources, and advice, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among employees facing similar challenges.  

If you are interested in setting up a Carer Network, contact our partners at Carer Positive www.carerpositive.org who can provide you with expert advice and guidance.  

Supporting your Carer Network

If you have a Carer Network, consider supporting them with our Carers Rights workshop or sharing our Carer’s Rights information. Click on the links below, or contact us on the enquiries form for more information.   

If there is more than one of the 11 Priorities you are keen to learn more about, connect with our AIM Getting Started programme, or simply get in touch with our team for a discussion

You can also contact our sales team on sales@agescotland.org.uk or call us on 0131 668 8045