J Aging Soc Policy. 2026 May 24:1-25. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Caregiver-employees provide unpaid adult care while simultaneously managing employment. The negative health and employment impacts incurred by caregiver-employees have drawn attention to caregiver-friendly workplace policies internationally, which is the focus of this research. Aging populations and changing workforce demographics present challenges for work-life balance. Using PRISMAs methodological guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy to explore the availability of carer-friendly workplace policies was implemented using 17 databases, as developed in consultation with a health science (SS) and a commerce (IP) librarian. Articles included in the review were published between May 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023, written or translated to English, and specifically discussed the provision of unpaid adult care. A total of 45 articles were included in the review, with 53 unique workplaces identified. Using descriptive statistics and content analysis, this study specifically names organizations, their location, and the carer-inclusive policies currently being offered. Workplaces in the finance, technology and healthcare industry/sectors offered the most caregiver-friendly accommodations. Web/App based supports are emerging rapidly among workplaces. Organizational culture change was found to be the most prominent transformative support. The results of this study can inform international policy in response to adapting labor markets to increasing demands of unpaid care.
PMID:42177768 | DOI:10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813
