Women caregivers and their workplace dilemmas

Lifestyle Wednesday 06/September/2017 18:53 PM
By: Times News Service
Women caregivers and their workplace dilemmas

For the millions of women caring for an ageing adult while balancing a full-time job, it can be a struggle to juggle conflicting demands. In fact, a new survey by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network in the US, found that one in four daughters in the workplace report that her career growth has suffered because of being a caregiver, feels her supervisor is unsympathetic to her care giving responsibilities, and feels that there is a negative stigma associated with time off for elder care. There is much that can be done to address this problem. Employers can provide support and resources to help daughters and sons feel empowered at their jobs and working caregivers can educate themselves on the policies and resources available to them. Working caregivers can use the following tips to help feel more empowered at work: 1. Be realistic. Understand how much you can do. 2. Honesty is the best policy. Be honest with yourself and your employer about what you need. 3. Think creatively. Think outside the box to offer solutions that work for you and your employer. 4. Get plenty of rest. Well-rested, you can get more done and be increasingly confident in handling daily challenges. 5. Take one day at a time. Caring for an older adult is an unpredictable job and one that often calls for a measured approach. 6. Arrange for help including respite care. 7. Educate your employer. Do what you can to explain the kinds of challenges you are facing. 8. Look for ways to give back. If your employer offers flexibility and help, think about ways to pay it forward with your manager and co-workers. 9. Be organised. Honing your organisational skills could go a long way toward staying on top of your job and easing your anxiety. 10. Find support. Connecting with others going through the same circumstances could be meaningful.