Carers at Work: Real Experiences, Real Challenges, Real Change

Did you know that 8 out of 10 Carers in the UK are of working age with women having a 50:50 chance of providing care by the time they're 46, and men have the same chance by the time they're 57?

Caring responsibilities can have a profound impact on those who are balancing this whilst working. But despite its universal nature, the experience of caring is sometimes overlooked in workplace conversations. In this article, we explore why it’s crucial to understand the diverse and unique caregiving experiences of your colleagues and by learning more about the realities of caregiving, you’ll gain valuable insights that can help create a more supportive environment for all.

Phil Siveter highlights the significance of caregiving in our lives and the commitment we share in fostering a workplace culture that acknowledges and supports carers:

“ At some point in our lives, every one of us will be involved in looking after an older, ill or disabled relative, partner or friend with 1 in 2 of us becoming a Carer during our lifetimes. 

Caring is a universal experience which transcends age, gender and background, touching every one of us at different stages of our lives and in different ways.

This is why at Thales, I am proud that we are striving to not only recognise the role of carers in our organisation, but that we are also committed to creating an environment which supports everyone to balance their professional responsibilities, and caring responsibilities too.

It’s important to understand that the caring experience can look very different from one person to the next. Whether you’re a people manager or colleague, by learning more about a range of diverse caregiving experiences, we can build an environment where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

Managing the demands of work while balancing the emotional and physical challenges of caring for someone can be tough, and supporting colleagues is not just an act of kindness but a crucial component of building a compassionate and effective workplace.”

Our Policy and Passport

It’s been 12 months since we published our Carers’ Policy and Passport and began our partnership with Employers for Carers to better support Carers balance their working and caring responsibilities at Thales.

We’ve recently been speaking to Carers and People Managers about their experience, and how the support that we’ve put in place has helped them at work and home. 

Take a look at what our colleagues have shared.