Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers targeted for boosted workplace support in new government initiative

A new workplaces initiative has been announced by the federal government, aiming to improve inclusivity in the workplace for 2.65 million Australians who are unpaid carers.The Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative is a new, carer-friendly workplace framework for employers that includes a self-assessment tool and e-learning modules to help businesses become more inclusive of people who are balancing caring responsibilities in their lives alongside their paid jobs.

Often, carers in Australia face significant obstacles to entering the workforce or maintaining their career due to the demands of their caring role.

The initiative has emerged as a result of the government’s Jobs and Skills Summit held last year and is focused on promoting equal opportunities for careers, and reducing barriers to employment.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth has spearheaded the initiative, and announced it on Thursday at Parliament House.

“Australia’s ageing population, cost of living pressures, and evolving lifestyles are reshaping the landscape of caregiving,” Rishworth said.

“Just as workplaces have adapted to accommodate parents caring for children, it is crucial that we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by carers and provide them with the support needed to thrive in their careers.”

Carers’ ability to participate in paid work is getting worse

According to the 2022 Carer Wellbeing Survey, almost two-thirds of carers (63.9 per cent) have reported low satisfaction with their ability to participate in paid work, while half of carers said their ability to participate in paid work was getting worse.

There was also a correlation between supportive employers, and a carer’s level of healthy wellbeing. Employers who embrace a carer-inclusive work environment and show they are invested in the wellbeing of their employees can increase employee motivation, moral, job satisfaction and engagement.

It also showed that more than 70 per cent of those who felt their employer was not understanding of their situation had low wellbeing.

Carers Australia has welcomed the government’s initiative and encourages all employers to sign up.

“Unpaid carers frequently face barriers in the workplace. This initiative aims to directly address this, by giving organisations a framework to build a carer inclusive workplace,” said Jane Bacot-Kilpatrick, CEO of Carers Australia.

“We encourage all employers, no matter how many people they employ, to sign-up and support the individuals who selflessly provide unpaid care within our communities.”

Bacot-Kilpatrick said organisations that undertake the initiative commitment will not only contribute to a more compassionate society but also gain a competitive edge by attracting a broader pool of talented employees.

Organisations that participate in the Carer Incusive Workplace Initiative will also get access to a virtual hub with a range of resources, templates and reference guides. It’s designed to support employers to make meaningful changes to accomodate the unique needs of carers in their workforce.

Organisations that excel in the self assessment process will also be awarded a brandmark to showcase their commitment to supporting carers on communication and recruitment platforms.

This article was first published by Women’s Agenda.