Claims management provider Crawford and Company has launched a carers’ policy and support framework for its UK employees.
In order to manage their caring and work responsibilities, Crawford employees will be eligible for a week of paid carers’ leave annually. They will be able to take it an hour at a time and in larger blocks, to give them more flexibility in balancing their commitments.
The employer has also introduced unpaid leave that mirrors its existing parental leave for employees caring for adults. This will enable them to be with loved ones at key moments while knowing that they will retain their jobs.
As part of its new support framework, Crawford has additionally introduced a new way for employees to talk about their caring responsibilities. Named Care Out Loud, the aim of which is to help normalise employees’ caring activities by encouraging openness and authentic communication about staying at home to care for sick dependents and being confident about requesting flexible working. Meanwhile, its new Caring For Others Network Group aims to encourage employees to share their experiences.
Lisa Bartlett, chief operating officer, international at Crawford and Company, said: “A growing number of people are battling with balancing work and care. At Crawford, we want to support our employees with those responsibilities, whatever their life stage. Being able to manage the pressures of both roles can be extremely challenging and it is imperative that [organisations] acknowledge this. As an employer, Crawford is focused on retaining talent and this new policy is designed to support employee wellbeing so our people can continue in their roles while managing their caring responsibilities.
“Caring can have a major impact on health and wellbeing, and carers can often feel lonely. Crawford’s Caring Out Loud culture and the Caring For Others Network Group will help to relieve the burden on our employees who have an additional role as carers and will connect them with others in order to share their experiences.”