Seventy-three percent (73%) of all employees have some type of caregiving responsibility. Furthermore, the National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that roughly eight percent (8%) of all caregivers in the United States are caring for an adult cancer patient. This translates into 5-6 individuals per 100 employees in a workforce.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF CAREGIVING
Research shows that caregiver employees provide an average of 20 unpaid caregiving hours per week to their loved one and miss an average of 3.2 workdays per month. For employees earning $35/hr, this equates to roughly $10,752 of lost productivity per employee per year!
An organization with 2,000 employees will have approximately 100 employees serving as a caregiver to an adult cancer patient at any given time. The cost impact of lost productivity for these employees will be more than $1M per year to that organization.
Organization X Example
| Total Number of Employees | 2,000 |
| # of Employees (per 100) Caring for an Adult Cancer Patient. | 5 |
| Total Number of Cancer Caregivers | 100 |
| Lost Productivity per Cancer Caregiver | $10,752 |
| Total Lost Productivity Impact | $1,075,200 |
THE UNSEEN STRUGGLE
When you consider the physical and emotional burden placed on caregivers, it’s not surprising caregivers are at increased risk for multiple chronic diseases. Caregiving is a profound and often challenging journey that transforms individuals into unsung heroes, providing unwavering support to those in need.
Caregiving is a labor of love that requires patience, resilience, and boundless compassion. Whether caring for a family member or a friend, the role of caregiver goes beyond the conventional definitions of responsibility.
The workplace, while a source of financial stability, can also become a source of added stress as caregivers strive to meet expectations on both fronts.
Caregivers often find themselves torn between obligations at work and the demands of supporting a loved one through illness and striking a balance between professional responsibilities and caregiving can feel like an intricate dance, requiring adaptability and resilience. The silent struggle of staying engaged at work while bearing the emotional and practical burdens of caregiving is a delicate art that often goes unnoticed.
HONORING AND SUPPORTING OUR CAREGIVERS
November is National Caregiver Month. During this time, let’s not only recognize the emotional strength and resilience of caregivers but also acknowledge the complexities they navigate in the workplace.
In the complex journey of caregiving, support is not only necessary but transformative.
Employers and colleagues can play a vital role in creating supportive environments that acknowledge the dual challenges faced by caregivers, ensuring that they don’t have to carry the burden alone.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by caregivers, Navvisa Cancer Guidance offers a beacon of assistance through its dedicated Licensed Oncology Nurses. These compassionate professionals understand the intricacies of cancer care, providing not just medical guidance but also emotional support for both patients and caregivers. From navigating treatment plans to offering resources for managing the emotional and physical impact of caregiving, Navvisa nurses are a ready lifeline.
To learn more about how Navvisa’s cancer navigation services can support your employees and reduce the financial impact of caregiving on your organization (and generate a positive ROI), read our Building the Business Case for Cancer Navigation white paper.
