National Work and Family: Empowering the Sandwich Generation

Understanding the Sandwich Generation

Imagine balancing the care of your children while also tending to the needs of aging parents. This is the reality for many in the Sandwich Generation, a group that includes about one in four U.S. adults. These individuals face significant pressures—emotional, financial, and logistical—as they strive to perform at work while supporting both generations at home.

Recognizing October as National Work and Family Month provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge and support these invaluable employees. By offering family-friendly benefits, organizations can attract and retain top talent while lightening the load for those caught in the middle.

Six Family-Friendly Benefits

Flexible Work Arrangements

Options like remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks can significantly alleviate stress for sandwich-generation employees. These arrangements allow them to better balance their work obligations with family responsibilities, leading to improved job satisfaction and productivity.

Paid Family Leave and Caregiving Support

While addressing both child and elder care needs, providing paid family leave combined with stipends or backup care solutions can be a lifeline. These benefits ensure employees have the support they need during critical times, reducing stress and allowing them to focus when they return to work.

Dependent Care FSAs and Financial Wellness Tools

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to use pre-tax funds for caregiving expenses, easing financial pressure. Pairing this with financial wellness tools provides resources for managing caregiving-related financial challenges.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Offering counseling and elder care navigation through EAPs offers essential support to employees dealing with burnout or emotional health issues. Such programs can also provide guidance and resources for managing complex caregiving situations.

Long-term Care and Disability Insurance

Access to education and options like long-term care and disability insurance helps employees plan for the future. These benefits provide peace of mind, knowing they are better prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

Supportive Workplace Culture

Embedding empathy into the workplace through manager training, caregiver employee groups, and fostering open communication can make a significant difference. A supportive culture ensures that caregivers feel valued and understood.

Supporting both the Employee and the Organization

The strategic and human value of supporting the Sandwich Generation cannot be overstated. Thoughtful benefits not only ease the burdens of these employees but also enhance retention and morale across the organization. Take this opportunity to evaluate your benefits package and connect with us for a consultation to better support this vital workforce segment.