Torn Between Office and Home: The Heavy Price Paid by Family Caregivers

A British report by Carers UK and Standard Life, based on a survey of over 10,500 family caregivers, found that 47% are considering reducing work hours or quitting, and most who left the workforce suffered from anxiety and stress. In Israel, according to Rachel Ladani, the situation is similar. The law provides up to 90 days of absence per year for care, and the Histadrut and Israel CareGivers have launched a memorandum of understanding to support caregiving employees.

A comprehensive British report by the charity Carers UK and the insurance company Standard Life, which included a survey of over 10,500 family caregivers, found that 47% of them are considering reducing their work hours or quitting, and most of those who left the workforce suffered from anxiety and extreme stress. The report, which examined the 'breaking point' where caregivers are forced to choose between work and care, points to a combination of factors: lack of employment flexibility, lack of support from the direct manager, lack of community support services, bureaucracy, and deterioration of the caregiver's health. 43% of respondents noted that their workplace did not provide a support policy, and 48% did not feel comfortable talking to their supervisor. In Israel, according to Rachel Ladani, the situation is no different. The law grants rights such as up to 90 days of absence per year to care for a sick family member, and in some cases up to 110 days. The Histadrut and the Israel CareGivers association have launched a joint memorandum of understanding, and companies like AstraZeneca, Azrieli, and Strauss are implementing supportive policies for about 60,000 employees.