Dr. Kara McGann:

It would be difficult in some sectors, however, we need to be creative. We need to be thinking that way and looking at our workplaces and how we are going to future-proof them with those particular challenges in mind. It may not be possible for every job to do it that way but there may be a different way that we can look at it. When we did the research and talked to people who are juggling that care and work element, what they were feeling was overwhelming pressure to try to do both while possibly doing both poorly. This added to stress and financial concerns. If we can manage it, we should keep these people close to the labour market in a way that when their caring needs have changed, they will be able to ramp back up again, if that is what they wish to do, and that they feel supported in so doing whereby there is a culture within the organisation that states this is not forever but this is how the organisation will support them in that regard. We have seen some organisations put in place employee network systems in order that people do not feel like they are the only person going through this. From what we have heard from carers themselves, it can be very isolating and can take a heavy toll on mental health. We need to be creative and come up with different ways and while we may not be able to deliver in respect of every role, there is a different way that we can look at this and we need to urgently prioritise that in our employment.