In this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Opening thoughts and an introduction to Julian Hayes and his Forbes article, "Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To."
[3:00] - Julian shares personal insights from his own caregiving journey and its lasting impact on his life and career.
[8:44] - Discussing the concept of caregiver guilt and its emotional toll on individuals.
[13:23] - Julian explains the "business case" for supporting employee caregivers, including talent retention and reducing presenteeism.
[17:28] - The role of long-term thinking in building sustainable workplace policies that truly support caregivers.
[21:53] - Tips for employers to better understand and support working caregivers, from financial assistance to mental health resources.
[25:44] - Julian’s advice to caregivers: “Get off the island” and build a support system to combat isolation and burnout.
[27:17] - Closing remarks and a heartfelt message on the importance of addressing caregiving as a collective responsibility.

Links & Resources:

• Julian Hayes’ website: Executive Health.io
• Forbes article: Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2024/06/29/employee-caregivers-a-silent-pandemic-ceos-must-pay-attention-to/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we welcome Jenn Chan, an inspiring caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Jenn shares her personal journey of becoming a family caregiver for her grandmother at a young age, discussing the struggles and rewards of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. We dive into the importance of recognizing caregivers in the workplace, the significance of having supportive employers, and Jenn’s exciting new project: the Senior Shower Project, which celebrates caregivers through special events akin to baby showers. Tune in to discover how employers can create a culture that supports working caregivers and why normalizing caregiving conversations is so crucial.

We also challenge our listeners to host the first Senior Shower at their workplace. Will it be you?

Episode Highlights:
[3:45] - Jenn shares her story about becoming a caregiver for her grandmother and the importance of caregiver identity.
[7:02] - The pivotal moment when Jenn realized she was a caregiver and how it changed her perspective.
[10:36] - Discussing the importance of supportive employers and how Jenn found flexibility in the workplace while caregiving.
[15:55] - Jenn introduces the Senior Shower Project and explains how it could support caregivers in the workplace.
[22:32] - Jenn’s national advocacy work for caregivers and tips for employers to support caregiving employees.
[27:47] - Challenge to listeners: Who will be the first to host a Senior Shower at their workplace?

Links & Resources:

• Senior Shower Project: https://www.seniorshowerproject.com/
• Email: jenn@seniorshowerproject.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennchanprojects/
• Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
• Caring Across Generations: https://caringacross.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Aisha Adkins, a powerhouse advocate for caregivers. Aisha shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, discussing how she found her way into advocacy and the importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace. We dive into the stigma surrounding caregiving, the challenges of balancing caregiving and work, and why it's essential to normalize caregiving experiences on resumes.

Throughout our conversation, Aisha offers practical advice for both caregivers and employers on how to navigate caregiving with compassion and flexibility. We also touch on the importance of resources like hospice care and why employers need to rethink how they support their caregiving employees. Aisha’s insight is invaluable for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for caregivers.

Episode Highlights:
[1:26] - Aisha Adkins shares an interesting personal story about living in Atlanta and meeting civil rights leaders.
[3:30] - Aisha’s caregiving journey begins: Moving to Barbados and caring for her mother.
[7:07] - Aisha explains Caring Across Generations and how they advocate for caregivers.
[9:10] - Differences in caregiving resources between the U.S. and Barbados.
[11:39] - The importance of adding caregiving experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
[17:10] - How employers can better support working caregivers: Tips on remote work and understanding resume gaps.
[20:16] - Discussing hospice care and why it can improve the end-of-life experience for loved ones.

Links & Resources:

Aisha Adkins’ website: aishaadkins.com

Caring Across Generations: caringacross.org

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.