Crawford & Company has unveiled its new Carers Policy and support framework for the company’s UK employees.
The workforce in England and Wales includes approximately 2.5 million unpaid carers, not counting full-time students, according to the 2021 Census. Citing Carers UK data, Crawford said an average of 600 workers a day leave their jobs to fulfil caring duties. Moreover, 75% of working carers express anxiety over their ability to juggle both.
To address this, Crawford is introducing a policy that allows for one week of paid leave every year, aiding staff in balancing their professional and personal obligations. The unique provision enables employees to utilise the leave in increments as short as an hour or in longer stretches, offering flexibility in managing their dual responsibilities.
Further enhancing its support, Crawford is aligning the care of adult dependents with its parental leave policies by providing additional unpaid leave. The initiative guarantees that, during demanding times, employees do not have to choose between their careers and being present for their families.
“A growing number of people are battling with balancing work and care,” international chief operating officer Lisa Bartlett (pictured) noted in an emailed release. “At Crawford, we want to support our employees with those responsibilities, whatever their life stage.
“Being able to manage the pressures of both roles can be extremely challenging, and it is imperative that companies acknowledge this. As an employer, Crawford is focussed on retaining talent, and this new policy is designed to support employee wellbeing so our people can continue in their roles while managing their caring responsibilities.”
Also part of the Carers Policy is Crawford’s “Care Out Loud” culture. The initiative promotes a workplace environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their caring duties openly. It aims to destigmatise the subject in the workplace, empowering staff to confidently seek flexible working arrangements when needed.
Additionally, the establishment of the Caring For Others Network Group offers a platform for employees to share their caring experiences, further embedding a supportive community within the company.
“Caring can have a major impact on health and wellbeing, and carers can often feel lonely,” Bartlett said. “Crawford’s Caring Out Loud culture and the Caring For Others Network Group will help to relieve the burden on our employees who have an additional role as carers and will connect them with colleagues in order to share their experiences.”
The new support measures also apply to Crawford colleagues in Ireland.
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