Voya Cares looks at how elevating the voices of caregivers can help meet the needs of both employees and employers
Caregivers can be the backbone of families — and often, the unsung heroes of the workforce. Yet, many remain invisible in corporate culture, while others disclose their status only to access flexibility and support. Recent Voya Financial® research reveals what caregiver employees say they need and how employers can help keep them in the workforce.
A balancing act
Two-thirds (66%) of employed caregivers have told their employer about their caregiving role — primarily to access flexible work arrangements or maintain transparency. At the same time 32% stay silent, citing reasons like privacy or fear of stigma. This silence can lead to the needs of 63 million* American caregivers going unmet.
Caregivers feel employers are supportive of mental and emotional health (83% vs. 74% for non-caregivers) and peer support through Employee Resource Groups. However, only 77% feel supported financially, ranking this lower than all other areas. A strong majority — 91% — believe employers should focus on the unique financial planning needs for caregivers.
When caregivers rank their key concerns, they indicate that stress and mental health are important, but 37% also list making ends meet as a key concern. Financial strain is real: caregiving expenses impact their ability to save for both short-term goals (81%) and retirement (78%).
What employers can do
Employers who want to retain caregivers in their workforce and avoid recruiting, onboarding and training their replacements can consider providing both inclusive and tangible support:
Help reinforce a culture of acceptance and inclusion for caregivers by
- Sharing their stories — especially those on the executive leadership team — and
- Providing peer-to-peer support through employee resource groups.
Consider providing tangible support through benefits that help to meet their financial wellness needs:
- Paid leave,
- Flexible hours
- Work-from-home options
- A retirement savings match
- Emergency savings plan
The bottom line
Caregivers who feel unsupported are at risk of leaving. In fact, 71% would accept a lower salary for better caregiver benefits. Employers who invest in caregiver support — through inclusive culture, storytelling, ERGs and tangible benefits — win twice: they retain talent and foster a more resilient workforce.
Unless otherwise noted, all data from Voya Consumer Insights & Research Caregiver Survey conducted online May 28 - 29, 2025.
*Caregiving in the U.S. 2025.” AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. July 2025.
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