Twenty-eight percent of Canadians are balancing unpaid caregiving for family or friends with work. While caregiving can be rewarding as you support the person you love and care for, the strains of caregiving can take a toll. Furthermore, 25% of caregivers have reported a change in their employment experience since becoming caregivers, including:
- Turning down training opportunities
- Accepting a loss of income
- Health and sleep problems affecting work productivity
- Emotional difficulties
- Having to quit their jobs altogether
Balancing caregiving and work varies between individuals; there is no single action plan that works for everyone. However, one common experience shared by many caregivers is the benefit of finding strategies to manage this balance. With that in mind, here are five strategies to lighten your caregiver load and reduce stress:
- Be honest and proactive: Communicate your situation to your employer before it becomes a problem. Be transparent about your caregiving responsibilities and let them know you are committed to your job. Be honest with yourself as well.
- Recognize signs of stress: Listen to your body. Don’t wait until physical or emotional stress negatively impacts you. Stay aware and identify ways to support yourself. Consider seeking professional help if you feel overwhelmed, whether it’s emotional support or professional caregiving assistance.
- Learn what support is available:
- Can you work flexible hours?
- Do you have a colleague who can cover for you if you need to leave the office?
- Does your employer know about your caregiving situation?
- Are you comfortable discussing your experience with your supervisor or colleagues?
- Are there policies in your company that support working caregivers?
- Document, document, document: Create a file to track your caregiving experience. This documentation will be a valuable reference when dealing with your employer, colleagues, doctors, and others involved in your caregiving journey.
- Make time for yourself: The people we are caring for may call for a high demand of attention, support or tasks. Set boundaries and schedule regular times when you call or check-in. A useful practice is mindfulness and compartmentalize. When you are at work, stay present in work. When you are caring, be present with the person you care for. Equally important: when you are playing, be present in your play.
Remember, managing the balance between caregiving and work is a personal journey, and it’s important to find strategies that work best for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed—your well-being is just as important as those you care for.