In this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change.

Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights

[3:05] - Fun Fact Spotlight: Amy shares her childhood story and her journey into music therapy.

[6:00] - Music & Caregiving: How Amy used music therapy to support her grandmother and father.

[8:11] - Becoming a Caregiving Advocate: Amy’s path from music therapist to leading caregiving advocate.

[10:00] - Family Caregiving Roles: Amy explains how her role as a caregiver shifted over time within her family.

[16:35] - Paid Family Leave: Why paid leave matters and how AARP is pushing for better policies.

[20:00] - Policy Challenges: The obstacles in making paid family leave a reality nationwide.

[23:09] - Flexible Work for Caregivers: How workplace flexibility benefits employees and employers alike.

[27:29] - HR & Workplace Culture: How companies can support caregivers through better workplace culture.

[30:00] - Employer Tips: Amy’s best advice for employers to support caregiving employees.

[35:00] - Caregiver Tips & Advice: Actionable tips for caregivers to balance work, family, and self-care.

[40:00] - Resources & How to Connect: Where to find Amy’s book, articles, and caregiving support resources.

[44:22] - Closing Remarks: Selma and Zack thank Amy and challenge listeners to explore caregiving resources.

Links & Resources

• Amy’s Website: http://amygoyer.com/joomla/
• AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers
• Amy’s Book: “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving”:https://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Life-Work-Caregiving-Goyer/dp/1634251636/
• Amy’s YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/@amygoyer/playlists
• Amy & AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/experts/info-2019/amy-goyer.html

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.

We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more inclusive environment. Whether you're a caregiver, an HR professional, or a leader seeking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Episode Highlights

[1:39] – The significance of National Family Caregiver Month and this year's theme: “Caregivers Around the Clock.”

[2:55] – Introducing Lee Hafner: her advocacy for caregivers and her professional journey inspired by personal experiences.

[4:31] – The multifaceted challenges caregivers face and why employers should address them holistically.

[9:08] – How leaders can start conversations about caregiving in the workplace and the importance of sharing personal experiences.

[13:15] – Balancing employee privacy with data collection: creative approaches to understanding and supporting caregivers.

[22:07] – A challenge to leaders: how a simple conversation can transform employee relationships.

[29:46] – Empowering caregivers: practical tips to build visibility and find support within the workplace.

Links & Resources

• Visit Employee Benefit News for more insights from Lee Hafner.
• How To Be A Working Caregiver May/June 2023 Issue Employee Benefit News - May/June 2023
• Lee Hafner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehafner/
• Learn about National Family Caregiver Month: Caregiver Action Network.
• Explore more caregiving resources at Invisible Employee Advocates.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Opening thoughts and an introduction to Julian Hayes and his Forbes article, "Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To."
[3:00] - Julian shares personal insights from his own caregiving journey and its lasting impact on his life and career.
[8:44] - Discussing the concept of caregiver guilt and its emotional toll on individuals.
[13:23] - Julian explains the "business case" for supporting employee caregivers, including talent retention and reducing presenteeism.
[17:28] - The role of long-term thinking in building sustainable workplace policies that truly support caregivers.
[21:53] - Tips for employers to better understand and support working caregivers, from financial assistance to mental health resources.
[25:44] - Julian’s advice to caregivers: “Get off the island” and build a support system to combat isolation and burnout.
[27:17] - Closing remarks and a heartfelt message on the importance of addressing caregiving as a collective responsibility.

Links & Resources:

• Julian Hayes’ website: Executive Health.io
• Forbes article: Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2024/06/29/employee-caregivers-a-silent-pandemic-ceos-must-pay-attention-to/

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.