Early and Mid-career professionals now make up the majority – 54% – of the U.S. labor market.i This means that working individuals are more likely than not to be Millennials or Gen-Z (45 years old and younger).
The "sandwich generation" traditionally refers to individuals who have primary responsibility for caring for dependent children and elderly relatives while also working outside the home. Sandwiched caregiving is most common during early and middle adulthood, when adults are also balancing their own health, aging, career, and financial well-being.ii The average caregiver is estimated to be 41 years old, and the age of new caregivers is trending even younger.
It is estimated that about 11 million Americansii are providing care for both a child and an adult. More recent studies on sandwiched caregivers have reflected the changing care landscape by expanding the definition of sandwiched care to include caring for a child and any adult, not just aging parents.
It’s important to acknowledge that much of caregiving is considered “invisible work.”ii For many, money talks, leading researchers to continue working on estimating the value provided by caregivers. One study estimated that the value of non-monetary contributions by sandwiched caregivers was nearly $691 billion per year.ii
As the age of caregivers continues to trend earlier in adulthood, it is crucial to recognize that a significant number of future leaders are or will become caregivers. Organizations that recognize the trends and the need to support these employees in order to retain them have begun providing support and tailored benefits for working caregivers.
When examining best practices that cater to the needs of early- to mid-career professionals and those that support working caregivers, there is considerable overlap.
Flexible Work Arrangements, Schedules and Time Off Options
Flexibility is one of the most meaningful benefits a business can offer to its working caregiversiii and younger professionals.i Alternative schedules, job sharing, and remote or hybrid worki arrangements are sought after by early to mid-career professionals. Specific to caregiver benefits, some organizations offer options like:iii
- Shared or donated time off
- PTO rollover
- PTO company “matching” program
- Unlimited vacation
Creating a Workplace Culture That Promotes a Sense of Safety, Support, and Authenticity
We know that Millennial and Gen Z workersi want their job to give them a sense of purpose and allow them to feel engaged in the company. This type of workplace culture benefits all workers, but for young professionals in particular, it has a meaningful impact on their work-related mental health and willingness to remain with an employer. The same is true for working caregivers. Having open communication from the leadership leveliii, providing benefits employees truly want, and building camaraderie through peer support programs and employee resource groups can all help to retain the new generation of leaders, especially those juggling responsibilities at home.
Addressing, Normalizing and Supporting Employee Mental Health
Millennials (35%) and Gen-Z (35%)i report feeling stressed or anxious a majority of the time, listing work and lack of work-life balance as top contributors. Failing to keep pace with demographic changes and the needs of growing generations means risking falling behind, stagnating, draining talent, and lagging in innovation. Add in the fact that many studies focus on the mental and physical health impact that caregiving roles can have on individuals, especially as they juggle that invisible work with their careers. Providing and promoting mental health benefits through work is important for everyone, but for caregivers it can be the difference between seeking help in a timely fashion or spending prolonged time struggling. When employees are aware of their benefits and comfortable actually accessing them, utilization goes up.
References
- American Psychiatric Association Foundation. Workplace Playbook and Resource Guide: Addressing the Needs of Early to Mid-Career Professionals. Center for Workplace Mental Health, 2025, https://workplacementalhealth.org/getmedia/744b90ab-e523-4b1c-bc78-599150480fe1/Supporting-Caregivers-in-the-Workplace.pdf.
- Patterson, S. E. (2022). Feeling the Squeeze. Contexts, 21(4), 20-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/15365042221131075
- American Psychiatric Association Foundation. Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Employers. Center for Workplace Mental Health, 2024, https://workplacementalhealth.org/getmedia/744b90ab-e523-4b1c-bc78-599150480fe1/Supporting-Caregivers-in-the-Workplace.pdf.