Rising Caregiving Responsibilities Challenge U.S. Workforce

A report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America shows that 43% of full-time U.S. workers now juggle caregiving duties, up 13% since 2019. Caregiving spans generations, with millennials most affected (51%), followed by Gen X (39%), Gen Z (38%), and baby boomers (25%). Women are increasingly leaving full-time work for caregiving, shifting the gender balance among working caregivers.

Full-time caregivers report higher stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use challenges. Access to workplace support—including mental health services, flexible schedules, paid leave, and employee assistance programs—improves well-being and engagement. Experts emphasize that employer-provided caregiving benefits are essential to retain talent, particularly for employees caring for both children and aging relatives.

08-12-2025