
Data and Statistics
Estimates suggest that approximately 20% of employees in the U.S. are likely to have a child with special needs. This means that in a typical workforce, a significant portion of employees—potentially millions nationwide—could be navigating the challenges associated with raising a child with a special needs diagnosis.
30%
25%
25%
3-1
17%
Positive
Better
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Increased Employee Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with an organization that understands their unique challenges. Companies that offer strong caregiver support have seen retention improve by 20–30%, as caregivers feel valued and supported in their roles.
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Reduced Absenteeism: Providing support to employees managing caregiving responsibilities can lead to a significant decrease in absenteeism. The Employee Assistance Professionals Association reports that utilization of support programs can lead to a 25% reduction in absenteeism.
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Enhanced Productivity: Access to caregiver support services can result in notable productivity gains. A study by the Center for Workplace Mental Health found that employees who used support services reported a 25% increase in productivity.
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Lower Healthcare Costs: By addressing mental health and caregiving stress early, employers can potentially lower their overall healthcare costs. Research has shown that companies may save up to $3 for every $1 invested in employee support services by reducing medical claims related to stress and mental health issues.
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Improved Employee Engagement: Offering targeted support for caregivers enhances employee engagement and job satisfaction. Engaged employees are 17% more productive than their less engaged counterparts.
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Positive Work Culture: Implementing caregiver support fosters a culture of empathy and understanding within the workplace. Such initiatives contribute to improved morale and a more inclusive environment, benefiting all employees.
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Better Work-Life Balance: Support programs assist employees in managing their caregiving responsibilities alongside work commitments, leading to a healthier work-life balance. This balance further enhances job satisfaction and loyalty.
References
National Survey of Children's Health (2019–2020)
This survey found that 19.4% of U.S. children have special health care needs, equating to about 14.1 million children. Additionally, over 28% of households with children have at least one child with special health care needs.
Annie E. Casey Foundation
According to their analysis, 1 in 5 children in the United States has special health care needs, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
RethinkCare
This organization reports that nearly 20% of the workforce are caregivers for children with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the impact on employees.
Principal Financial Group
https://www.principal.com/about-us/news-room/news-releases/principal-survey-reveals-effects-caregiving-work-and-employee
AARP Employer Caregiving Resources
https://employerportal.aarp.org/build-expertise/how-providing-caregiving-affects-your-workforce/
ScienceDirect – Workplace Mental Health Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791120303656
Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) – Working Caregivers & Employer Health Costs
https://www.kff.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2010/09/mmi-working-caregivers-employers-health-care-costs.pdf
Gallagher/Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. – Caregiver Challenges & Employer Impact
https://www.ajg.com/us/-/media/files/gallagher/us/news-and-insights/caregiver-challenges-impact-employers-employees-covid-19.pdf
SHRM – Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace
https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/flagships/all-things-work/behind-the-growing-momentum-around-caregiving-support-in-the-wor
Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org) – Work & Caregiving Statistics
https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-work-and-caregiving/