In this episode, we welcome Jenn Chan, an inspiring caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Jenn shares her personal journey of becoming a family caregiver for her grandmother at a young age, discussing the struggles and rewards of balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. We dive into the importance of recognizing caregivers in the workplace, the significance of having supportive employers, and Jenn’s exciting new project: the Senior Shower Project, which celebrates caregivers through special events akin to baby showers. Tune in to discover how employers can create a culture that supports working caregivers and why normalizing caregiving conversations is so crucial.

We also challenge our listeners to host the first Senior Shower at their workplace. Will it be you?

Episode Highlights:
[3:45] - Jenn shares her story about becoming a caregiver for her grandmother and the importance of caregiver identity.
[7:02] - The pivotal moment when Jenn realized she was a caregiver and how it changed her perspective.
[10:36] - Discussing the importance of supportive employers and how Jenn found flexibility in the workplace while caregiving.
[15:55] - Jenn introduces the Senior Shower Project and explains how it could support caregivers in the workplace.
[22:32] - Jenn’s national advocacy work for caregivers and tips for employers to support caregiving employees.
[27:47] - Challenge to listeners: Who will be the first to host a Senior Shower at their workplace?

Links & Resources:

• Senior Shower Project: https://www.seniorshowerproject.com/
• Email: jenn@seniorshowerproject.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennchanprojects/
• Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/
• Caring Across Generations: https://caringacross.org/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Aisha Adkins, a powerhouse advocate for caregivers. Aisha shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother, discussing how she found her way into advocacy and the importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace. We dive into the stigma surrounding caregiving, the challenges of balancing caregiving and work, and why it's essential to normalize caregiving experiences on resumes.

Throughout our conversation, Aisha offers practical advice for both caregivers and employers on how to navigate caregiving with compassion and flexibility. We also touch on the importance of resources like hospice care and why employers need to rethink how they support their caregiving employees. Aisha’s insight is invaluable for anyone interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for caregivers.

Episode Highlights:
[1:26] - Aisha Adkins shares an interesting personal story about living in Atlanta and meeting civil rights leaders.
[3:30] - Aisha’s caregiving journey begins: Moving to Barbados and caring for her mother.
[7:07] - Aisha explains Caring Across Generations and how they advocate for caregivers.
[9:10] - Differences in caregiving resources between the U.S. and Barbados.
[11:39] - The importance of adding caregiving experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
[17:10] - How employers can better support working caregivers: Tips on remote work and understanding resume gaps.
[20:16] - Discussing hospice care and why it can improve the end-of-life experience for loved ones.

Links & Resources:

Aisha Adkins’ website: aishaadkins.com

Caring Across Generations: caringacross.org

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, the brilliant author Kate Washington, who takes us through her incredible journey of caregiving and the profound insights she gained from it, joins us. Kate shares the inspiration behind her book, Already Toast, a raw and honest account of her experience as a caregiver for her husband during his battle with cancer. We highlight the challenges caregivers face, how caregiving is often undervalued in society, and how her writing serves as a voice for caregivers everywhere.

Selma, Zack, and Kate discuss the emotional toll caregiving takes, why setting boundaries is essential, and how caregivers can seek the support they need. Kate also opens up about her next project, focusing on self-rediscovery through swimming holes and finding joy in midlife. This episode offers not just empathy for anyone on the caregiving path, but also a call for systemic change to better support caregivers.

Episode Highlights:
[2:13] - Kate shares her favorite summer activity: exploring hidden swimming holes in California.
[3:54] - How Already Toast came to be: Kate discusses the life-changing events that led her to write the book.
[8:55] - Zack and Kate reflect on the struggles caregivers face and the importance of recognizing their needs.
[12:43] - Kate’s message to caregivers: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and your emotions are valid.
[17:09] - A discussion on how literature, specifically Jane Eyre, inspired parts of Kate’s writing.
[20:45] - Kate emphasizes the importance of balancing data with the human stories behind caregiving statistics.
[24:01] - Looking back: Kate shares what she would have done differently on her caregiving journey.

Links & Resources:

Kate Washington’s website: kawashington.com

Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America by Kate Washington – Available wherever books are sold.

Instagram: @washingtonkate

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode we welcome special guest Sarah Johal, the founder of CareSprint, a nonprofit organization focused on transforming workforce systems to better support working caregivers. Sarah shares how her organization is helping employers create a more inclusive, supportive environment for caregivers. From her personal caregiving journey to the intersection of data and workplace policies, this conversation offers powerful insights into the critical changes needed to uplift the invisible workforce—working caregivers.

As Sarah discusses the work CareSprint is doing, she emphasizes the need for better data, collaboration, and action from employers and business leaders. We get into thought-provoking ideas on how workplaces can gain a competitive edge by centering care for their employees, ultimately boosting productivity, retention, and loyalty. Don’t miss this information if you are a leader, HR professional, and anyone invested in building a more supportive, empathetic workforce.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Sarah introduces CareSprint and the need for caregiving data.
[02:40] - A fun fact about Sarah's hometown and soapbox derbies.
[03:16] - CareSprint's mission to improve family care in the workplace.
[05:40] - Resources for leaders to support caregivers.
[07:57] - The role of data in improving workforce demographics.
[10:41] - Highlighting key reports on caregiving challenges.
[14:25] - How caregiving policies provide a competitive edge for businesses.
[16:09] - Practical advice for CEOs on supporting caregivers.
[19:38] - Reflection on the future of caregiving and systemic change.

Links & Resources:

Learn more about CareSprint’s initiatives and explore their open library of resources for employers and caregivers: CareSprint.org

People Leader Library: https://www.caresprint.org/library

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johalsf/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/caresprint/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.instagram.com/caresprint

https://x.com/caresprint_org

HBR article: Supporting Employee Caregivers Starts with Better Data by Amy Henderson and Sarah Johal

https://hbr.org/2022/04/supporting-employee-caregivers-starts-with-better-data

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this inaugural episode of Working Caregivers, The Invisible Employees, we are thrilled to welcome an incredible guest, Donna Thomson. Donna is a caregiver, educator, advocate, and co-author of The Unexpected Journey of Caring. She shares her personal caregiving journey and the powerful transformation that occurs when you become a caregiver. We dive deep into the challenges of caregiving, the impact on the workforce, and the need for employers to create caregiver-friendly workplaces.

Donna discusses the importance of flexibility and compassion in the workplace, offering practical insights on how leaders can support their employees who are also caregivers. We explore key topics from Donna’s book and learn how caregiving is not just about managing tasks—it’s about embracing personal transformation and understanding the value of care.

Episode Highlights:
[2:04] Donna Thomson's Background and Books
[4:25] "The Unexpected Journey of Caring"
[10:09] Challenges and Questions for Working Caregivers
[13:52] Employer Perspective and Business Leaders
[17:33] Resources and Support for Caregivers
[22:40] Caregiving in Canada and North America
[26:21] Final Advice and Contact Information

Links & Resources:

• Donna Thomson's website: https://www.donnathomson.com/
• Donna on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna4walls/
• The Unexpected Journey of Caring Authors Donna Thomson and Zachary White
• The Four Walls of My Freedom
• Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces - Free course by McMaster University Continuing Education: https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/creating-caregiver-friendly-workplaces/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

Did you know that in 2020 there were 53 million caregivers in the United States? By 2025, this number is expected to significantly expand to 62.5 million. 73% of these individuals have to juggle the responsibilities of working a job while being a caregiver. They are called “working caregivers” and are often referred to as “invisible” because they typically remain silent about their caregiving challenges. Nor do they seek help from their colleagues at work or their managers, choosing to face alone the negative financial, physical, mental and emotional impacts that being a working caregiver often presents.

Employers, you have a tremendous opportunity to support the working caregivers in your workforce. "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast that will show you how. Hosted by Selma Archer and Zack Demopoulos, authors of a book with the same name, this series dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by working caregivers and their employers.

Whether you are in the C-suite, a leader, HR, or a working caregiver yourself, "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast for you. We address the pressing issues of retaining talent, managing productivity, and creating a supportive workplace culture. Learn how to provide meaningful benefits, understand the costs and implications of caregiving on healthcare, and foster an environment that values and supports your employees through their caregiving journey. We can all help make meaningful differences in the lives of employees who work and care for others.

Tune in every other Wednesday to gain insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussions that aim to solve the unique problems working caregivers encounter. Don’t forget to visit our website, invisibleemployeeadvocates.com, to subscribe to our newsletter, and purchase our book to learn how we can help you strengthen your workplace to become more supportive of working caregivers.