What's Happening?
Care.com has released the 2026 Future of Benefits Report, revealing significant gaps in the recognition and support of caregiving responsibilities within the workforce. The report, based on surveys of 600 C-suite executives and 1,000 employees, highlights
that only 37% of employees identify as caregivers, despite many managing caregiving duties. The report also notes a disconnect between perceived and actual employee stress levels, with 81% of employees reporting moderate to high stress, while employers estimate only 55% of their workforce is stressed. Furthermore, only 19% of employees feel their caregiving needs are well recognized, and just 20% feel very supported. The report underscores the impact of caregiving on productivity, with 53% of employees missing work due to caregiving challenges and 48% reporting decreased productivity.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the report underscore the critical role of caregiving in the workforce and its impact on employee retention, productivity, and well-being. As caregiving responsibilities grow, they increasingly influence workforce participation, with nearly one in four employees considering leaving the workforce due to caregiving challenges. The report suggests that better recognition and support of caregiving needs could improve employee satisfaction and retention. Employers are beginning to respond, with many expanding caregiving benefits, but a significant awareness gap remains, as many employees are unaware of the benefits available to them. Addressing these gaps could lead to improved workplace experiences and reduced stress for employees.
What's Next?
Employers have the opportunity to better connect employees with existing caregiving support and expand benefits to meet evolving workforce expectations. As the report indicates, there is a growing recognition among employers of the need to address caregiving-related stress, with many actively working to adapt their benefits offerings. The ongoing challenge will be to close the awareness gap and ensure that employees are aware of and can access the support they need. This could involve increased communication and education efforts to highlight available benefits and support systems.
