Flexible Work Schedule - Help the Caregivers

When you need to make changes in how, where or when you do your job, ask your employer about some of these possibilities:

• Part-time work: Working fewer than 40 hours per week; may require that you change your job responsibilities.
• Flex-time: This option can range from minor shifts in starting and stopping times, to differing work hours each week. For example, you may decide that it is necessary for you to work 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for several months.
• Compressed work week: Work schedules shifted to fewer days, with more hours each day (e.g., four 10-hour days).
• Telecommuting: Working from home or at another site closer to home will give you more flexibility in the hours you choose to work (e.g., you can work later at night if you need to take an elderly parent to a doctor appointment during the day).
• Job sharing: Two people share the responsibilities and pay and benefits of one full-time job.
• Shifting job responsibilities: Negotiate with your employer about temporary or permanent changes in your job role if it would better meet your caregiving demands.
• Sometimes your caregiving responsibilities will be so demanding that you need time off from work. Ask your employer about the following:
• Sabbatical or leave of absence: Some employers offer employees an option to take extended time away from work, with or without pay, but with their jobs being protected.
• Family and Medical Leave Act: For employees who work in organizations with more than 50 people, this law allows employees to take up to 12 weeks unpaid leave each year for family or medical reasons. (Employees must have worked for at least 12 months, and 1,250 hours during those 12 months.)

        As a Last Resort  — Changing Jobs or Leaving Your job-

If you find that your position cannot be changed or modified to meet your caregiving demands, and you are stressed, depressed, or completely overwhelmed, you may need to look for a new job. If you feel that you just cannot manage the various demands on your time, it is important to take action and make necessary changes. Maintaining your well-being is critical for you to be a productive employee and an effective caregiver, parent, spouse, and friend.

This article is an exerted from the Caregiver’s  Handbook, produced by the Work-Life Coalition of  San Diego and County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services , organizations committed to supporting caregivers and encouraging their health and wellness. A companion documentary video, “The Sandwich Generation—Caregiving and Finding Work-Life Balance,” is available by calling 619-338-8668