With the growing senior population, more working adults are stepping into the role of caregiver for aging parents, taking on additional responsibilities that ultimately have an impact upon their productivity in the workplace. Fortunately, employers have begun to notice the need for flexibility in work schedules. More and more employers have begun to implement scheduling options that can help to reduce stress among their staff, while allowing employees to successfully juggle care for their family with the demands of their career.
New Workplace Options
In the past, employers expected their staff to work from the office, and many corporate policies allowed only a specific number of personal days a year. Now, technology has made it possible for a person to complete many of their work-related tasks from home, which has shifted the way employers view productivity. Additionally, many corporate decision-makers are also family caregivers who are more willing to grant paid and unpaid leave, flex-time and deadline extensions for employees who provide care for an aging or ill family member.
How to Ask for More Flexibility
While many companies have already written these types of options into their official policies, some employees may need to advocate for more flexibility. Those who are already covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act may only need to file for their benefits. However, others should discuss how their work can be completed from home or outside of normal office hours. For example, family caregivers can attend meetings virtually, or they may be able to work extra hours on the weekend to make up for time spent transporting a loved one to an appointment. Click here to learn more about professional home care, Albuquerque caregivers can provide your loved one which includes reliable transportation to medical appointments. It can also be used for help around the home and with personal care.
Balancing a Changing Schedule
It is important to remember that the purpose of flexibility in the workplace is to reduce stress among caregiving employees while boosting productivity. Yet, it can be challenging to keep up with a changing schedule. Working caregivers should be sure to keep a calendar with important appointments and deadlines. It may also be necessary to seek assistance from other family members or caregivers who can take over when juggling multiple responsibilities becomes overwhelming.
By taking full advantage of the flexibility offered by today’s employers, one can successfully navigate through the challenges involved with being responsible for a loved one’s care while at the height of their career. If you live outside of Maryland and are concerned about the health and wellness of your aging loved one, contact the Albuquerque live-in care experts at Home Care Assistance. We offer hourly and 24 hour care, providing seniors with the support they need to maintain their regular routines while offering peace of mind to families. Call 505-798-0800 to speak with a devoted Care Manager and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.
