This is a really critical question. We know that some caregivers feel safe and comfortable raising the issue of their caregiving responsibilities with their employers. However, some do not. They fear reprisal or even termination in asking for something as simple as understanding, or for practical accommodations or modifications to their work circumstances. I think the number one thing we would love to see is a greater understanding on the part of employers about the things caregivers are doing and why it's so important that there is a context for having that dialogue in any employment situation.
The other thing is to recognize and understand that different working circumstances require different types of conversations. Many of us in this meeting right now have the luxury of being able to work from home, but that is not always feasible in certain working circumstances for anyone in an employment situation. We encourage employers to look at other creative solutions around scheduling, split shifts and different ways employees could potentially fulfill their responsibilities outside of the standard schedule or accommodations that might be available.
The first step, surely, is dialogue and understanding. In many ways, the pandemic has helped to shine a light on that.