Working caregivers may incur significant losses in career development, salary and retirement income, and substantial out-of-pocket expenses as a result of their caregiving obligations. Caregivers often underestimate the time required for caregiving and the impact of their obligation on their work. Almost all caregivers made informal adjustments to their work schedule due to caregiving, including making phone calls, arriving late, leaving early, and taking time off during the day. Eighty-four percent made at least one formal adjustment, including using sick leave and vacation time, decreased hours, leave of absence, full- to part-time, quitting the job, or retiring early. Caregiving responsibilities often take a toll on the health of the caregiver and on employee productivity. The decline in caregivers’ productivity at work translates into significant economic losses for employers.

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