Unpaid carers make an incredible contribution to society—many of them often go unnoticed, but their role is absolutely vital to our economy and community.

 

The care sector impacts millions of Australians, yet it is often overlooked and devalued when compared to other economic levers. Indeed, according to the World Economic Forum, the global care economy is one of our most valuable assets, but it does not receive the attention it deserves.

 

Our CEO, Emma Walsh, recently gave an insightful presentation to global insurer TAL as part of Carers Week about the growing pressures faced by carers and their significant impact. Her presentation highlighted the need for businesses to step up and offer more support to carers in the workforce.

 

 

The Role of Carers in Australia

 

Carers contribute an estimated $77.9 billion worth of unpaid labour annually, representing around 3.8% of Australia’s GDP. Despite this economic significance, many carers remain unsupported, and their contributions are often undervalued.

 

With Australia’s population aging, the demand for caregiving is rising rapidly, and unpaid carers—who are primarily women—shoulder much of this responsibility reinforcing gender inequality and financial insecurity.

 

Carers in the Workforce

 

Approximately 11% of Australians are unpaid carers, and this number is expected to rise by 23% in the coming years. Around 75% of carers are employed, yet many feel unsupported by their employers.

 

This lack of support forces some carers to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely, limiting their financial security and career progression.

 

The Carer Wellbeing Survey found that 1 in 2 carers reported low well-being, and the 2024 National Working Families Survey found that 1 in 4 were considering leaving their job due to caregiving pressures.

 

The Business Case for Action

 

Businesses have a significant opportunity to better support carers and foster more inclusive workplaces. Employers who implement family-friendly policies, such as flexible work arrangements and caregiving support programs, have seen improved employee retention and productivity. The 2024 National Working Families Survey revealed that employees working for certified Family Friendly Workplaces reported fewer negative experiences and higher engagement.

 

Steps for Employers to Support Carers

 

• Foster a Carer-Friendly Culture: Provide training to ensure that managers and colleagues understand the unique challenges parents and carers face.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow carers to develop work routines that balance their responsibilities.
• Open Conversations: Encourage leaders to have discussions about caregiving needs and ask what support is needed.
• Employee Resource Groups: Establish carer networks where employees can share experiences and feedback on workplace provisions and policies.

 

By supporting carers through policies and workplace culture, businesses can create more resilient, inclusive environments where both carers and employers thrive. As Emma emphasised, “It starts with caring for each other.”

 

This blog highlights key takeaways from Emma Walsh’s presentation, urging businesses to take action in supporting carers for a more inclusive and productive workforce.