We talk a lot about the importance of work/life balance, and as an EAP, we're there to help employees with coaching and resources to help them achieve that.
However, a recent Pew Research report talks about a phenomenon that can lead to a "perfect storm" of issues that can appear overwhelming for those who are caught in it, and touches on many of the primary presenting issues that our clients bring to us when they call. Given the numbers, it's highly likely that a substantial percentage of your employees are affected.
Titled, "The Sandwich Generation: Rising Financial Burdens for Middle-Aged Americans," the report, based upon a survey that Pew Research conducted late last year, talks about not only the pressures that adults aged 40-59 are facing due to providing financial support to both their grown children and aging parents, but also touches on the emotional support they are often providing, especially to the older generation.
Consider these statistics from the study:
- 48% of adults aged 40-59 have provided some financial support to at least one grown child (aged 18 and over) in the past year and 27% have provided primary support; that number jumps to 73% providing some support when just considering those who have children 18 and over.
- 21% of adults aged 40-59 have provided some financial support to a parent aged 65 and older in the past year; that number jumps to 32% for those with a parent aged 65 and older
- 38% said both their grown children and parents rely on them for support
- For those who are providing financial support for both a parent and children of any age, 28% said they are living comfortably compared to 41% who are not financially supporting an aging parent. (Other respondents range from those who don't have enough money to meet basic needs to those who have enough to meet basic needs with a little left over)
Other Support: Caregiving and Emotional
Beyond the financial support they are providing, the Sandwich Generation is often also involved in caregiving and providing emotional support. The study finds that a third of adults in the 40-59 age group are providing assistance with daily living to their aging parents, and that number increases as parents age, not surprisingly.
Similarly, over two-thirds of this cohort with 65+ parents report that their parents rely on them moderately or extensively for emotional support. Added to this, those with grown children report overwhelmingly that, even without financial support, their children rely on them moderately to extensively for emotional support. This number increases if they are also providing financial support.
Helping the Sandwich Generation
What does this mean for the 40-59 year old employee? We already know, from other research, that employees are feeling increasingly stressed, and that financial concerns play a big role in this. When employees are feeling stressed, regardless of the cause, the results can show up at work as absenteeism, presenteeism, and higher rates of FMLA and other types of leaves.
But, this report lends itself to a more nuanced view, and one that we see in the work we do. As clients come to us there are often multiple presenting issues, and as we work with them, we learn that they are sometimes linked. Financial stress can lead to family or relationship strains, for example. Stress, anxiety and depression can be caused by jugging too much between home and work. Responsibilities for dependent children or supporting a spouse or partner who are out of work can be daunting in and of themselves for many employees, but the added levels of support for grown children and/or aging parents can push even the most resilient past their tipping point.
As an employer, there are some ways you can help, such as providing more flexible scheduling to allow employees to better handle family responsibilities, or financial literacy education to help employees look at ways to use their money more wisely and still plan for their own retirement. You might want to consider providing lunchtime or after-work space for "sandwiched" employees who want to form a support group to share experiences and resources.
However, as your EAP, we can also provide valuable support to your employees who are struggling, such as:
- Coping skills and resilience-building
- Prioritizing and time management
- Setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Coaching around broaching sensitive topics with parents around transition to next stages
- Finding resources to assist with caregiving
- Eldercare-related education and resources around financial and life planning
- Financial and budget planning and management resources
Please encourage employees to contact us for assistance, either individually or through focused communication that acknowledges that many may be facing these challenges. We're available anytime, day or night.
Additional Resources
Please visit our website for additional resources on aging. There you can find articles and resources on such topics as home healthcare, Alzheimer's, community resources, transitions that have to be made as you or your loved ones age, and even advice on aging well.
