In a bid to enhance workplace inclusivity for the 2.65 million Australians serving as unpaid carers, the federal government has unveiled a new Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative.
The initiative, introduced as part of the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities and dismantling employment barriers, aims to provide a supportive framework for employers.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, a driving force behind the initiative, emphasised the necessity of acknowledging the unique challenges faced by carers in today’s evolving societal landscape.
“Australia’s ageing population, cost of living pressures, and evolving lifestyles are reshaping the landscape of caregiving. 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,” Minister Rishworth said.
The initiative, a product of recommendations from the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit, offers a comprehensive toolkit for employers, including a self-assessment tool and e-learning modules.
This resource is designed to guide businesses in creating more inclusive environments for individuals balancing caring responsibilities with their professional lives.
Jane Bacot-Kilpatrick, CEO of Carers Australia, stressed the significance of addressing the barriers faced by unpaid carers in the workforce.
“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. 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,” she said.
The cornerstone of the initiative is the introduction of a carer-friendly workplace framework. Employers nationwide are urged to evaluate the inclusivity of their workplaces through an online self-assessment. By leveraging the insights gained from this assessment, registered employers can enhance their workplace practices and policies to better understand and support carers within their workforce.
The latest Carer Wellbeing Survey, a key driver behind the initiative, highlighted the challenges faced by carers in the workforce. A staggering 63.9% of all carers reported low satisfaction with their ability to participate in paid work, and 50% indicated that their ability to engage in paid work was deteriorating.
Crucially, the survey underscored a direct correlation between supportive employers and healthy levels of wellbeing. Among those with understanding employers, 52.9% reported low wellbeing, compared to 70.9% of those who felt their employer lacked understanding.
The Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for the millions of unpaid carers across Australia.
As businesses embrace this framework, the hope is to empower carers to thrive in both their caregiving roles and professional careers.
