One in four American adults is now juggling childcare with caring for ageing parents, spending almost 24 hours a week on unpaid care while many turn down promotions, hide their caregiving responsibilities at work and face growing financial strain, highlighting the need for greater employer support, according to new research.

America’s growing sandwich generation is sacrificing careers, financial security and personal wellbeing as they juggle caring for both young children and ageing parents, according to major new research that highlights the urgent need for greater employer support. The first Care.com Sandwich Generation Report found that today’s dual carers begin balancing childcare and eldercare at an average age of 34, with most saying the responsibilities arrived suddenly and without warning.

On average, they now spend almost 24 hours every week arranging, managing or providing care, effectively taking on a second part-time job alongside paid employment. For employers, the findings underline the growing importance of flexible working, caregiving support and wellbeing policies as demographic change reshapes the workforce.

The research builds on a growing body of evidence covered by Fair Play Talks showing that millions of workers are struggling to balance employment with caring responsibilities.

CAREGIVING NOW A WORKPLACE ISSUE

The survey reveals that caregiving responsibilities increasingly affect careers, productivity and employee wellbeing. Among the findings:

• One in four American adults now belongs to the sandwich generation.
• Dual caring responsibilities begin at an average age of 34.
• Parents spend 23.8 hours each week providing or coordinating care.
• Mothers spend 26.8 hours every week.
• 84% say they have become the default caregiver.

Most respondents said they were unprepared, with 80% saying caregiving responsibilities arrived suddenly. Furthermore, 86% said they were completely unprepared.

CAREERS PUT ON HOLD

The report suggests many employees are making significant career sacrifices to manage caring responsibilities. It found:

• 66% say their career ambitions have been reduced.
• 55% have turned down a promotion, pay rise or new opportunity.
• 61% of millennials have declined career opportunities.
• 55% have considered leaving work altogether.
• 66% admit hiding the full extent of their caring responsibilities from employers.

The findings reinforce previous Fair Play Talks reporting highlighting the growing risk of burnout among working carers. Earlier this year, research found two-thirds of working women in the sandwich generation face a high risk of burnout, underlining the need for employers to better recognise the pressures experienced by employees balancing work and family care.

BURNOUT, LONELINESS & MENTAL OVERLOAD

The emotional impact is equally significant. The research found:

• 86% feel their own lives are on hold.
• 87% expected life to feel more stable.
• 80% feel mentally overloaded.
• 80% desperately need a break.
• 72% feel lonely.
• 69% sacrifice their social lives.
• 69% sacrifice sleep.
• 63% sacrifice their mental health.

The findings closely mirror previous research covered by Fair Play Talks warning that burnout among sandwich generation workers is becoming an increasingly urgent workplace wellbeing issue.

GROWING FINANCIAL PRESSURES

Care responsibilities are also reshaping financial futures. Among respondents:

• 82% say care costs leave their household financially strained.
• 80% say caring has changed the financial future they expected.
• 77% feel financially behind.

Many also said caring responsibilities influenced major life decisions.

• 73% changed family planning.
• 66% had children earlier than planned.

FLEXIBLE WORKING MATTERS

The findings also reinforce growing evidence that traditional workplace models are failing many working parents and carers. Earlier this year, Fair Play Talks reported that three quarters of parents believe current working arrangements no longer reflect modern family life, highlighting increasing demand for greater flexibility.

For sandwich generation employees, flexible working is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than a workplace perk.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING

The report also highlights the positive impact caregiving can have. Almost every respondent (99%) reported experiencing personal growth. Among them:

• 76% became more empathetic.
• 75% developed greater patience.
• 74% gained a clearer perspective on what matters.
• 90% described caregiving as meaningful despite its challenges.
• 89% said it had made them a stronger person.

“Nearly every person in this survey told us they have grown because of caregiving – more empathetic, more patient, clearer on what actually matters. That is remarkable, and it deserves to be recognised,” said Jill McNamara, Vice President of Strategic Growth at Care.com. “These families are carrying an enormous amount, often without enough support and often without anyone acknowledging what they’re doing. They’re not asking to be rescued. They’re asking to be seen and supported.”

WHAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD DO NEXT

The findings suggest organisations should increasingly view caregiving as a workforce issue rather than solely a personal responsibility. Employers should consider:

• Expanding flexible and hybrid working options for carers.
• Introducing paid carers’ leave where possible.
• Training managers to better support employees with caring responsibilities.
• Reviewing workloads and career progression to ensure carers are not disadvantaged.
• Providing access to wellbeing services, counselling and employee assistance programmes.
• Developing employee networks for carers to reduce isolation.
• Embedding caregiving within broader inclusion, wellbeing and retention strategies.

As populations continue to age and people start families later in life, the sandwich generation is likely to become an increasingly important part of the workforce. The latest findings suggest employers that recognise and support working carers will be better placed to retain experienced talent, reduce burnout and create more inclusive workplaces.

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