In this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change.

Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights

[3:05] - Fun Fact Spotlight: Amy shares her childhood story and her journey into music therapy.

[6:00] - Music & Caregiving: How Amy used music therapy to support her grandmother and father.

[8:11] - Becoming a Caregiving Advocate: Amy’s path from music therapist to leading caregiving advocate.

[10:00] - Family Caregiving Roles: Amy explains how her role as a caregiver shifted over time within her family.

[16:35] - Paid Family Leave: Why paid leave matters and how AARP is pushing for better policies.

[20:00] - Policy Challenges: The obstacles in making paid family leave a reality nationwide.

[23:09] - Flexible Work for Caregivers: How workplace flexibility benefits employees and employers alike.

[27:29] - HR & Workplace Culture: How companies can support caregivers through better workplace culture.

[30:00] - Employer Tips: Amy’s best advice for employers to support caregiving employees.

[35:00] - Caregiver Tips & Advice: Actionable tips for caregivers to balance work, family, and self-care.

[40:00] - Resources & How to Connect: Where to find Amy’s book, articles, and caregiving support resources.

[44:22] - Closing Remarks: Selma and Zack thank Amy and challenge listeners to explore caregiving resources.

Links & Resources

• Amy’s Website: http://amygoyer.com/joomla/
• AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers
• Amy’s Book: “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving”:https://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Life-Work-Caregiving-Goyer/dp/1634251636/
• Amy’s YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/@amygoyer/playlists
• Amy & AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/experts/info-2019/amy-goyer.html

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.

We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more inclusive environment. Whether you're a caregiver, an HR professional, or a leader seeking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Episode Highlights

[1:39] – The significance of National Family Caregiver Month and this year's theme: “Caregivers Around the Clock.”

[2:55] – Introducing Lee Hafner: her advocacy for caregivers and her professional journey inspired by personal experiences.

[4:31] – The multifaceted challenges caregivers face and why employers should address them holistically.

[9:08] – How leaders can start conversations about caregiving in the workplace and the importance of sharing personal experiences.

[13:15] – Balancing employee privacy with data collection: creative approaches to understanding and supporting caregivers.

[22:07] – A challenge to leaders: how a simple conversation can transform employee relationships.

[29:46] – Empowering caregivers: practical tips to build visibility and find support within the workplace.

Links & Resources

• Visit Employee Benefit News for more insights from Lee Hafner.
• How To Be A Working Caregiver May/June 2023 Issue Employee Benefit News - May/June 2023
• Lee Hafner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehafner/
• Learn about National Family Caregiver Month: Caregiver Action Network.
• Explore more caregiving resources at Invisible Employee Advocates.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Opening thoughts and an introduction to Julian Hayes and his Forbes article, "Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To."
[3:00] - Julian shares personal insights from his own caregiving journey and its lasting impact on his life and career.
[8:44] - Discussing the concept of caregiver guilt and its emotional toll on individuals.
[13:23] - Julian explains the "business case" for supporting employee caregivers, including talent retention and reducing presenteeism.
[17:28] - The role of long-term thinking in building sustainable workplace policies that truly support caregivers.
[21:53] - Tips for employers to better understand and support working caregivers, from financial assistance to mental health resources.
[25:44] - Julian’s advice to caregivers: “Get off the island” and build a support system to combat isolation and burnout.
[27:17] - Closing remarks and a heartfelt message on the importance of addressing caregiving as a collective responsibility.

Links & Resources:

• Julian Hayes’ website: Executive Health.io
• Forbes article: Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2024/06/29/employee-caregivers-a-silent-pandemic-ceos-must-pay-attention-to/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we welcome Jenn Chan, an inspiring caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Jenn shares her personal journey of becoming a family caregiver for her grandmother at a young age, discussing the struggles and rewards of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. We dive into the importance of recognizing caregivers in the workplace, the significance of having supportive employers, and Jenn’s exciting new project: the Senior Shower Project, which celebrates caregivers through special events akin to baby showers. Tune in to discover how employers can create a culture that supports working caregivers and why normalizing caregiving conversations is so crucial.

We also challenge our listeners to host the first Senior Shower at their workplace. Will it be you?

Episode Highlights:
[3:45] - Jenn shares her story about becoming a caregiver for her grandmother and the importance of caregiver identity.
[7:02] - The pivotal moment when Jenn realized she was a caregiver and how it changed her perspective.
[10:36] - Discussing the importance of supportive employers and how Jenn found flexibility in the workplace while caregiving.
[15:55] - Jenn introduces the Senior Shower Project and explains how it could support caregivers in the workplace.
[22:32] - Jenn’s national advocacy work for caregivers and tips for employers to support caregiving employees.
[27:47] - Challenge to listeners: Who will be the first to host a Senior Shower at their workplace?

Links & Resources:

• Senior Shower Project: https://www.seniorshowerproject.com/
• Email: jenn@seniorshowerproject.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennchanprojects/
• Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
• Caring Across Generations: https://caringacross.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Aisha Adkins, a powerhouse advocate for caregivers. Aisha shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, discussing how she found her way into advocacy and the importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace. We dive into the stigma surrounding caregiving, the challenges of balancing caregiving and work, and why it's essential to normalize caregiving experiences on resumes.

Throughout our conversation, Aisha offers practical advice for both caregivers and employers on how to navigate caregiving with compassion and flexibility. We also touch on the importance of resources like hospice care and why employers need to rethink how they support their caregiving employees. Aisha’s insight is invaluable for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for caregivers.

Episode Highlights:
[1:26] - Aisha Adkins shares an interesting personal story about living in Atlanta and meeting civil rights leaders.
[3:30] - Aisha’s caregiving journey begins: Moving to Barbados and caring for her mother.
[7:07] - Aisha explains Caring Across Generations and how they advocate for caregivers.
[9:10] - Differences in caregiving resources between the U.S. and Barbados.
[11:39] - The importance of adding caregiving experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
[17:10] - How employers can better support working caregivers: Tips on remote work and understanding resume gaps.
[20:16] - Discussing hospice care and why it can improve the end-of-life experience for loved ones.

Links & Resources:

Aisha Adkins’ website: aishaadkins.com

Caring Across Generations: caringacross.org

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, the brilliant author Kate Washington, who takes us through her incredible journey of caregiving and the profound insights she gained from it, joins us. Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Already Toast, a raw and honest account of her experience as a caregiver for her husband during his battle with cancer. We highlight the challenges caregivers face, how caregiving is often undervalued in society, and how her writing serves as a voice for caregivers everywhere.

Selma, Zack, and Kate discuss the emotional toll caregiving takes, why setting boundaries is essential, and how caregivers can seek the support they need. Kate also opens up about her next project, focusing on self-rediscovery through swimming holes and finding joy in midlife. This episode offers not just empathy for anyone on the caregiving path, but also a call for systemic change to better support caregivers.

Episode Highlights:
[2:13] - Kate shares her favorite summer activity: exploring hidden swimming holes in California.
[3:54] - How Already Toast came to be: Kate discusses the life-changing events that led her to write the book.
[8:55] - Zack and Kate reflect on the struggles caregivers face and the importance of recognizing their needs.
[12:43] - Kate’s message to caregivers: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and your emotions are valid.
[17:09] - A discussion on how literature, specifically Jane Eyre, inspired parts of Kate’s writing.
[20:45] - Kate emphasizes the importance of balancing data with the human stories behind caregiving statistics.
[24:01] - Looking back: Kate shares what she would have done differently on her caregiving journey.

Links & Resources:

Kate Washington’s website: kawashington.com

Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America by Kate Washington – Available wherever books are sold.

Instagram: @washingtonkate

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode we welcome special guest Sarah Johal, the founder of CareSprint, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming workforce systems to better support working caregivers. Sarah shares how her organization is helping employers create a more inclusive, supportive environment for caregivers. From her personal caregiving journey to the intersection of data and workplace policies, this conversation offers powerful insights into the critical changes needed to uplift the invisible workforce—working caregivers.

As Sarah discusses the work CareSprint is doing, she emphasizes the need for better data, collaboration, and action from employers and business leaders. We get into thought-provoking ideas on how workplaces can gain a competitive edge by centering care for their employees, ultimately boosting productivity, retention, and loyalty. Don’t miss this information if you are a leader, HR professional, and anyone invested in building a more supportive, empathetic workforce.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Sarah introduces CareSprint and the need for caregiving data.
[02:40] - A fun fact about Sarah's hometown and soapbox derbies.
[03:16] - CareSprint's mission to improve family care in the workplace.
[05:40] - Resources for leaders to support caregivers.
[07:57] - The role of data in improving workforce demographics.
[10:41] - Highlighting key reports on caregiving challenges.
[14:25] - How caregiving policies provide a competitive edge for businesses.
[16:09] - Practical advice for CEOs on supporting caregivers.
[19:38] - Reflection on the future of caregiving and systemic change.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about CareSprint’s initiatives and explore their open library of resources for employers and caregivers: CareSprint.org

People Leader Library: https://www.caresprint.org/library

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johalsf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresprint/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.instagram.com/caresprint

https://x.com/caresprint_org

HBR article: Supporting Employee Caregivers Starts with Better Data by Amy Henderson and Sarah Johal

https://hbr.org/2022/04/supporting-employee-caregivers-starts-with-better-data

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this inaugural episode of Working Caregivers, The Invisible Employees, we are thrilled to welcome an incredible guest, Donna Thomson. Donna is a caregiver, educator, advocate, and co-author of The Unexpected Journey of Caring. She shares her personal caregiving journey and the powerful transformation that occurs when you become a caregiver. We dive deep into the challenges of caregiving, the impact on the workforce, and the need for employers to create caregiver-friendly workplaces.

Donna discusses the importance of flexibility and compassion in the workplace, offering practical insights on how leaders can support their employees who are also caregivers. We explore key topics from Donna’s book and learn how caregiving is not just about managing tasks—it’s about embracing personal transformation and understanding the value of care.

Episode Highlights:
[2:04] Donna Thomson's Background and Books
[4:25] "The Unexpected Journey of Caring"
[10:09] Challenges and Questions for Working Caregivers
[13:52] Employer Perspective and Business Leaders
[17:33] Resources and Support for Caregivers
[22:40] Caregiving in Canada and North America
[26:21] Final Advice and Contact Information

Links & Resources:

• Donna Thomson's website: https://www.donnathomson.com/
• Donna on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna4walls/
• The Unexpected Journey of Caring Authors Donna Thomson and Zachary White
• The Four Walls of My Freedom
• Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces - Free course by McMaster University Continuing Education: https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/creating-caregiver-friendly-workplaces/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.