Caregivers at work: Progress made, pressures persist
By Kerry Sette, Vice President, Consumer Insights & Research, Voya Financial
As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Voya Cares®, we are reflecting on the progress that has been made in supporting people with disabilities, caregivers and their families. One finding stands out clearly from our latest research: Caregiving is no longer a niche issue. It is a workforce reality affecting millions of employees and employers across the country.
Today, nearly one in four employees (23%) is a caregiver.* The good news is that workplace conversations around caregiving have become more open and supportive. Our research found that 87% of caregivers are more comfortable discussing their caregiving responsibilities at work, 83% are more comfortable seeking workplace resources and support, and 81% believe their workplace is more understanding of individual needs. These findings suggest that employers have made meaningful progress in fostering a culture of empathy, flexibility and inclusion.
But while awareness and understanding have improved, the financial and personal pressures of caregiving remain significant.
Caregivers in our study reported average monthly caregiving expenses of nearly $1,000. Almost half (48%) have reduced their work hours because of caregiving responsibilities, and nearly three-quarters (73%) have used personal leave to provide care. These realities can create financial strain, affect long-term savings and retirement readiness and increase stress for employees trying to balance work, caregiving and their own financial goals.
The impact extends beyond individual employees. Employers are feeling the effects as well, with 64% expressing concerns about caregiver productivity. As the workforce continues to age and caregiving responsibilities become more common, organizations have a growing stake in helping employees navigate these challenges.
The opportunity for employers is clear: Supporting caregivers requires more than flexibility alone. Flexible work arrangements are important, but they must be complemented by meaningful workplace benefits, education, financial guidance and caregiving resources that address the realities employees face every day.
Over the past decade, caregivers have gained greater workplace understanding and flexibility, but the financial pressures of caregiving have not eased, especially with medical inflation on the rise. Employers who pair empathy with action can help employees build greater financial security while strengthening workforce engagement, productivity and talent retention goals.
As Voya Cares marks its 10-year milestone, we remain committed to advancing conversations and solutions that support caregivers, people with disabilities and the employers who serve them. The progress we have seen is encouraging, but there is still important work to be done to ensure caregivers have the support they need to thrive both at work and at home.
* “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025.” AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. July 2025.
All other data cited is sourced from Voya Cares survey conducted between Feb. 3-17, 2026, among 666 employees, featuring n=224 gen pop employees, n=239 employees who are caregivers, and n=231 employees with disabilities, as well as n=306 employers.
This material has been provided for educational purposes only. This material was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered. It is not intended to provide specific legal, tax or other professional advice.
Voya Cares® and other Voya products and services are offered through the Voya family of companies.