As the workforce ages and life expectancy rises, more employees are balancing caregiving for aging parents while still in the prime of their careers. In 2023, over 37 million Americans were providing unpaid elder care to those 65 or older, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

While child care struggles are widely acknowledged, elder care needs can be unpredictable and often go unnoticed. Many employees suddenly find themselves caring for aging parents, with little time to prepare for the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges that come with it. And while companies are making strides in child care and parental leave benefits, support for those managing elder care is still hard to find.

 

The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout, including irritability, anxiety, and disengagement. Meanwhile, research shows that “sandwiched” employees — those juggling both child and elder care — experience even lower well-being. Unlike child care, which tends to follow a predictable path, elder care can change overnight due to sudden health decline, hospitalization, or cognitive impairment. That unpredictability makes an already tough balancing act even harder.

 

These workers face financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and stalled career growth, yet many stay quiet, fearing judgment or career setbacks. When employees aren't comfortable speaking up, here are key signs they may be struggling with caregiving responsibilities:

• Increased absenteeism
• Deceased productivity
• Declining emotional health
• Lack of participation in career advancement
• Isolation

Because caregiving challenges often run deeper than what’s visible on the surface, the question is: How can businesses recognize these caregiving struggles and take action to support employees before they hit a breaking point?

The hidden drain on your workforce and bottom line

As employees juggle work and caregiving, many step away from their careers — 16% of caregivers have paused work entirely, while 13% switched employers to meet caregiving demands, per S&P Global. This shrinks the talent pool and complicates retention.

On the other hand, employees who stay often find themselves mentally drained, leading to missed deadlines, lower productivity, and diminished focus. And the emotional toll is just as steep — stress, guilt, and burnout chip away at morale, leaving employees disengaged and exhausted.  

When workers feel overwhelmed and unsupported, the ripple effect spreads, impacting team dynamics and business performance. The good news? Employers who proactively recognize and support caregiving challenges can foster a healthier, more engaged workforce while strengthening their bottom line. 

Supporting the sandwich generation: strategies to ease caregiving pressures

Balancing child care and elder care is no small feat for sandwiched employees, but the right workplace support can make all the difference. Here are four ways HR leaders can step up:

1. Start the conversation: Encourage open dialogue to understand employees’ caregiving challenges and identify meaningful ways to help.
2. Embrace workplace flexibility: Flexible hours, remote work, and job-sharing opportunities can empower employees to manage caregiving without derailing their careers.
3. Offer caregiving support services: Resources like care management platforms, legal guidance, and financial planning assistance can help employees confidently navigate long-term care needs.
4. Provide reliable back-up care: Provide reliable care solutions for both children and aging family members through trusted partners — easing the burden on your employees and business alike.

Champion caregiving support across generations with Bright Horizons

The growing demands of the sandwich generation are reshaping workforce needs, making it essential to support employees juggling child and elder care responsibilities. By recognizing caregiving challenges and implementing flexible, comprehensive solutions, businesses can foster a more engaged, productive workforce. 

Bright Horizons offers trusted, end-to-end caregiving support designed to ease these pressures at every life stage. With a proven track record of enhancing employee well-being and retention, we’re here to help organizations meet evolving workforce demands. Contact us to learn more.