The “Sandwich Generation” refers to individuals who are caring for aging parents and raising children at the same time. Today about one-quarter of adults are in the Sandwich Generation–and most are also working part- or full-time. It’s important for employers to understand the emotional and financial challenges these caregivers face–and the impact it can have on their business when these employees don’t feel supported.
5 things employers need to know about the Sandwich Generation
- The Sandwich Generation is rapidly growing. Last year, more than half of adults in their 40s were caring for a parent aged 65 or older while also raising children. Gen Z and millennial caregivers are more likely than other caregivers to be working in addition to their caregiving responsibilities–and this population is only going to increase. For starters, Americans are living longer which means more employees will become caregivers to seniors. At the same time, children are living at home longer. In July 2022, half of adults ages 18 to 29 were living with one or both of their parents compared to 44% in 2010.
- Women are often disproportionately represented in the Sandwich Generation. Men and women are equally likely to become members of the sandwich generation, but women are still taking on most of the care responsibilities. Two out of every 3 caregivers are female which can lead to higher attrition rates of working women if these caregivers do not have supportive benefits available to them.
- The Sandwich Generation is at high risk of burnout. Caring for multiple generations can be overwhelming, stressful, and isolating. These caregivers are so busy caring for others they often neglect to take care of themselves. The physical and mental demands of caregiving can impact the health of the Sandwich Generation, and can also contribute to increased health care costs and absenteeism for employers.
- Financial burdens can further fuel stress for the Sandwich Generation. 48% of adults are providing some financial support to their grown children and 25% are also providing financial support to a parent as well. Plus, 66% of the Sandwich Generation say they are stressed about affording their family’s financial obligations over the next 10 years. To make matters worse, the cost of care for children and seniors is at an all-time high, making it difficult for many of these employees to find affordable care so they can work.
- Sandwich Generation employees often leave the workforce–resulting in costly productivity losses for employers. Care is not only expensive, but it can be difficult for employees to find. In the past few years, 20% of working parents had to leave work or reduce their work hours due to a lack of child care and one-third of senior caregivers left a job due to senior caregiving responsibilities. As a result, it’s estimated that employers lose billions of dollars annually from employee absenteeism and turnover due to child and senior care.
How employers can support the Sandwich Generation and combat productivity losses
Top employers and HR leaders know that by aligning their benefits strategy to meet the needs of caregivers, they will achieve desired business objectives of attracting and retaining top talent and increasing business productivity. In Care’s Future of Benefits Report, 46% of HR leaders reported they are prioritizing child care in 2023—and 43% are prioritizing senior care. Here are some of the benefits your organization can offer to support Sandwich Generation employees–and increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve recruitment and retention.
- Family Care Benefits: Employer-sponsored benefits that help employees care for children and seniors can relieve some of the burdens of caregiving, so employees are more focused, present and productive at work and at home. Family care benefits can include access to a digital marketplace of caregivers, expert assistance and care navigation from Care Specialists, and Backup care to cover gaps in regular care.
- Flexible work policies: This generation of caregivers are often juggling the demands of getting children to school, transporting parents to doctors’ appointments, while also trying to work. Flexible hours, remote work, time-off policies and Family Leave can go a long way in helping these caregivers balance it all.
- Mental Health resources: Offering access to employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Programs or mental health apps and resources can help caregivers better manage daily stressors before they become more serious and costly health issues.
- Financial Wellness resources: Providing access to financial resources can help relieve financial burdens associated with caregiving so they are less stressed and more productive.
Most importantly, be sure to communicate benefits to your employees so they are aware of the resources available to them. Employees in the Sandwich Generation have complex and changing needs and helping employees navigate to available benefits throughout each step of their care journey is an important part of getting them the help they need.
