New data has revealed that a quarter of financial advisers and insurance professionals are unsure whether their employer offers support if they need to care for loved ones.
In light of Carers Week taking place from 7 to 13 June, a social media poll was carried out by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS) among its 548 members to explore how many knew what workplace provisions were available should they have caring responsibilities.
The research found two-thirds of respondents knew their employer supported employees who need to care for loved ones. However, almost one in 10 answered that they felt their organisation failed to offer help to colleagues who were struggling to juggle these responsibilities with their paid work.
PFS chief executive and CII chief membership officer Keith Richards said the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic had “shone a light” on how many colleagues manage caring duties while in employment, and highlighted how important it is for organisations to understand the circumstances staff are dealing with if they are to continue operating and retain talented employees.
He added that in 2021, everyone who finds themselves juggling work with caring responsibilities has the right to request flexible working arrangements to enable them to fulfil their duties.
Richards said: “While it is great to see the majority are aware of their right to flexible working, our survey shows some insurance and personal finance employers need to do more to make sure their employees are aware of options such as their right to take time off in an emergency, working compressed hours, job sharing or work from home. The pandemic has shown why supporting carers isn’t just the right thing to do but it is good for business too.”