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    Brain Circuits

    5 ways to bridge the care gap in leadership

    by Shelley Zalis Published November 22, 2024 in Brain Circuits • 2 min read

    Recent research shows that caregiving-related job losses cost the US economy billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and tax revenue. This ‘care gap’ causes businesses to lose valuable talent and expertise, while the tax base shrinks due to reduced income from women leaving or scaling back their careers. Here are effective strategies to bridge the gap and boost the bottom line.  

    1. Flexible work arrangements 

    Remote work options, flexible scheduling, and compressed work weeks empower employees to manage work and personal commitments more effectively, enhancing daily work-life integration. 

    2. On-site childcare 

    Providing childcare facilities at the workplace can be a game-changer for parents, allowing them to focus on their work while their children are well cared for nearby. 

    3. Eldercare support 

    Programs that offer eldercare resources, such as referrals to assisted living facilities or adult daycare services, can ease the burden on employees who are juggling work and caring for aging family members. 

    4. Back-up care programs 

    Providing access to reliable backup childcare or eldercare can be a lifesaver for unexpected situations or emergencies. 

    5. Life-stage accommodations 

    Flexible life-stage accommodations allow employees to tailor their work schedules to align with their evolving life-stage needs – whether that’s starting work later, customizing hours, or taking leave as needed.  

    Key learning 

    Addressing the care gap is not only good for society: businesses with strong work-life balance programs have better employee retention rates, productivity, and employee engagement. Providing flexible work options and care programs enables individuals to integrate their professional responsibilities seamlessly with personal milestones. It’s about crafting a workplace where life doesn’t fit into a policy – it shapes it, to the benefit of all. 

    Further reading

    Equal care, equal share: Bridging the care gap in leadership

    The Female Quotient

    Authors

    Shelley Zalis

    Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient

    Shelley Zalis – CEO, Founder, and “Chief Troublemaker” of The Female Quotient – is an entrepreneur, three-time movement maker, and advocate for reshaping the workplace for the modern era. She is redefining leadership and challenging outdated systems.

    At The FQ, Zalis built the largest global community of women in business across 30 industries in more than 100 countries. Previously, she transformed market research by founded OTX, later selling it to Ipsos. She co-created #SeeHer, championing accurate portrayals of women and girls in media.

    A LinkedIn Top Voice and contributor to TIME and Forbes, Zalis’ accolades include the Global Leaders 50 List and Fast Company’s Brands That Matter.

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