Building a Compassionate Culture that Supports Caregivers in the Workplace and Beyond

At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we recognize all those who assume the responsibility of caring for a loved one with a serious illness or disability. We are committed to supporting our colleagues who are caregivers — so they can also take care of themselves.

For the millions of family caregivers worldwide, the complex challenge of caring for loved ones with serious illnesses and disabilities — all while juggling work and other responsibilities — is nothing new. And the COVID-19 global pandemic has only compounded this challenge, adding new responsibilities and anxieties to the mix.

There are an estimated 53 million family caregivers in the U.S. alone. Many of these caregivers found themselves serving in this role with no warning and little training, creating a recipe for burnout that impacts everything from their career to their finances and even their own health. Companies that support the caregivers within their workforce can make a world of difference — something we take to heart with our own employees at Janssen.

Building a more compassionate culture can go a long way toward creating a more inclusive workforce, helping to attract and retain employees who are high performers at work and in their personal lives. Companies benefit too, by fostering a productive work environment and decreasing turnover.

Most importantly, by offering resources to help caregivers manage their personal responsibilities, companies can help enable these individuals to live healthier, happier lives. And if we help caregivers take care of themselves, they will be in a better position to care for their loved ones, creating a healthier environment for all.

There are several fundamental ways companies and individual managers can support colleagues who are caregivers:

• Offer flexible scheduling and work arrangements. A caregiver’s workday may be disrupted by doctor appointments, medical emergencies or simply assisting with a loved one’s day-to-day care. Offering flexible hours, part-time schedules or ongoing options for remote work can make a big difference, allowing employees to be fully present as an employee and caregiver — whether that’s preparing for an important meeting at work or helping a parent who’s undergoing chemotherapy.
   
• Connect employees with resources and services. If you’re aware of caregivers who are on your team, let them know they’re not alone. Many companies offer employee assistance programs that can recommend eldercare services, in-home aides, and functional assessments. In addition, support groups, employee resource groups and counseling services can provide caregivers with the support they need to maintain their own health and well-being.
   
• Build a culture that recognizes and supports caregivers. Caregivers often feel the need to conceal this aspect of their life from colleagues. Be sure to create an environment in which employees are comfortable sharing their caregiving responsibilities and asking for support if needed. You can help caregivers feel less isolated by encouraging an open dialogue and even sharing your own experiences with caregiving as applicable.

These are some of the many ways we support our own employees at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. And as a company that puts good health at the center of all we do — for both mind and body — we’re committed to extending our reach beyond our four walls to help ensure that caregivers and those who depend on them have the resources and information they need.  

To learn more about how the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson is supporting family caregivers, visit www.janssen.com/GenerationCare.

December 14, 2020