New research from Principal finds workplace benefits have become the clearest signal of whether an employer truly supports its people.
Stress from work spills over into employees’ lives, impacting their relationships, personal time, health, and well-being. This is especially true for employees who are responsible for the care of a child/children, a dependent adult, or those in the “sandwich generation” who are caring for both. Financial, social, and work‑related pressures compound their caregiving responsibilities, leaving many caregivers stretched thin and at risk of burnout.
The benefits employers offer serve as a powerful signal of trust and belonging—reassuring caregivers that their employer understands their needs while showing the entire workforce that the organization is truly people‑centric.
- Spillover stress from work is significantly greater among caregivers than non‑caregivers, with reported impacts on multiple areas of life, including:
- Romantic relationships (74% more stress)
- Social lives (68% more stress)
- Personal time (41% more stress)
- Health and well‑being (31% more stress)
- Impacts increase with caregiving responsibilities. While all caregivers see more spillover stress, “sandwich caregivers” feel the most stress compared to those who only care for a child or an adult.
- Health insurance
- Financial assistance for other types of caregiving beyond childcare
- Employee wellness support
- Financial assistance for childcare
- Flexible time off with no set limits
“When caregivers feel understood and supported at work, it reduces stress in every part of their lives. The right benefits don’t just help them manage responsibilities; they signal that their employer truly sees them as a whole person.”
Teresa Hassara, SVP Workplace Savings & Retirement Solutions, Principal®
