Nearly half (43%) of full-time American employees now juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside their jobs, a 13% increase since 2019, according to a recent report from Guardian Life Insurance Company.
This growing trend is placing additional strain on workers and highlighting the need for employer support programs, according to HR Dive.
Generational and Gender Differences
Caregiving responsibilities span all age groups. The survey found 25% of Baby Boomers, 39% of Generation X, 51% of Millennials, and 38% of Generation Z are caregivers.
Gender dynamics are changing: while women previously made up the majority of working caregivers, the 2025 report shows 57% of caregivers are now men, suggesting some women are leaving full-time roles to provide care.
Mental Health and Well-Being Challenges
Full-time caregivers face heightened mental health risks. Only 36% report “very good” mental health, and they are 48% more likely to experience anxiety or depression and 55% more likely to struggle with substance use.
Among those taking paid leave, 37% did so due to mental health concerns. Lack of workplace resources correlates with lower overall well-being.
Employer Support Can Make a Difference
Access to caregiving support at work — such as mental health services, flexible scheduling, paid leave, and employee assistance programs — was linked to reduced stress and improved well-being.
Experts recommend targeted benefits for the “sandwich generation” balancing care for children and older adults. Companies without adequate caregiving leave risk higher turnover, making supportive policies critical for retention, engagement, and performance.
