the carer-inclusive workplace accreditation
0300 300 22 33
why it matters
There are an estimated 3.7 million people across the UK providing essential unpaid care whilst holding down a paid job. Every day, over 600 of them leave paid work to continue providing unpaid care, often in poverty. The impact on our business can be significant.
with the carer-inclusive workplace accreditation, it doesn't need to be this way
Greenwich Carers Centre and The Royal Borough of Greenwich have come together to support business in retaining employees who provide essential unpaid care. Helping carers to sustain paid work is key to preventing their poverty. Our aim is to build a network of carer-inclusive workplaces right across the borough.
As the need for flexible, inclusive workplaces grows, this accreditation paves the way for new ways of doing things, that enable business to flourish whilst supporting the communities they serve.
Life can be incredibly challenging for employees who are also unpaid carers. Balancing the demands of work with the responsibilities of caring is not easy. The constant juggling act often leads to overwhelming pressure and, eventually, burnout.
Feelings of anxiety, guilt, stress, and depression are all too common among carers. Many struggle in silence, uncertain about how—or whether—they can share their situation with their employer.
Without the right support, this situation becomes unsustainable. Talented and dedicated employees may feel they have no option but to leave their roles to continue providing essential care.
Every day, hundreds of people make the difficult decision to step away from the workforce. For many, this leads not only to professional loss but also to financial hardship and long-term poverty.
We cannot afford to ignore this. As employers, we must create an environment where carers feel seen, supported, and valued—not forced to choose between their job and their loved ones.
Failing to support employees with caring responsibilities doesn’t just hurt individuals—it has serious implications for the organisation as a whole:
Lost Productivity
Carers are five times more likely to leave employment (Carers UK). The pressure of juggling work and caring often results in reduced focus, increased absenteeism, or ultimately resignation.
Loss of Skills and Experience
When carers leave, we lose not only their time but also their expertise, institutional knowledge, and contribution to team culture. These are not easily replaced.
Increased Recruitment Costs
Hiring and training new staff is costly and time-consuming. The CIPD estimates the average cost of replacing an employee at over £30,000 when accounting for recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity.
Reputational Risk
Today’s employees and customers value socially responsible organisations. A lack of support for carers can damage our employer brand and affect our ability to attract and retain top talent.
Impact on Staff Morale
The departure of valued, experienced colleagues can lower morale and disrupt team dynamics.
Becoming carer-inclusive accredited makes sense for your business.
Retain Talent, Experience, Skills, and Knowledge
Supporting carers helps retain valuable employees who might otherwise leave due to conflicting responsibilities. This preserves institutional knowledge and strengthens team continuity.
Reduce Turnover and Retraining Costs
Lower employee turnover means reduced costs related to recruitment, onboarding, and training new staff. Keeping experienced staff saves time and money.
Employees Feel Valued and Supported
Demonstrating empathy and flexibility fosters loyalty. Employees who feel understood and supported are more engaged, productive, and committed to their roles.
Enhances Employer Reputation
Supporting carers contributes to your image as a responsible and compassionate employer—crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
Future-Proofs the Business
With an ageing population, more employees will have caring responsibilities in the future. Proactively supporting carers builds resilience and shows a forward-thinking approach to workforce planning and employee wellbeing.
Greenwich Carers Centre. Registered office: The Stables, 76 Hornfair Road, Charlton, London, SE7 7BD 0300 300 2233. Greenwich Carers Centre is a Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Charity no: 1033718 Registered Company no: 2823279 © Copyright. Greenwich Carers Centre. All rights reserved.
Design: Stuart Tattersall (C) Greenwich Carers Centre, All Rights Reserved
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