At many small and midsize businesses, employees are balancing more than one major responsibility. They do their jobs, but they may also care for a family member, coordinate medical appointments, pick up medications, accompany a loved one, or manage health needs at home.
That burden is not always visible. The employee shows up, works, and meets their responsibilities, while also carrying fatigue, stress, and the weight of many other demands.
This is a quiet challenge for many small teams. Although it is not always discussed, it can affect both employee well-being and business continuity.
According to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report, 63 million adults in the United States are caregivers. That is 1 in 4 adults. The report also notes that many family caregivers are employed, which means they are balancing work and caregiving responsibilities at the same time.
Caregiving can include tasks such as:
- Taking a family member to medical appointments.
- Helping with medications.
- Coordinating health care services.
- Supporting someone who is managing a chronic condition.
- Caring for an older adult, a partner, or a family member with a disability.
- Handling emergencies or last-minute changes.
For a small or midsize business, this reality matters. When a team is small, any change in an employee’s availability, energy, or focus can affect daily operations. Rather than seeing it only as a complication, employers can view it as an opportunity to offer meaningful support.
The report Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated, from S&P Global and AARP, highlights that balancing work and family caregiving can be a significant source of stress. It also notes that policies such as flexible schedules, caregiver leave, and employer support can help ease part of that burden.
Not every small or midsize business has the same resources, but each can start with simple steps:
- Create an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking openly.
- Offer flexibility when possible.
- Provide guidance on available benefits.
- Encourage the use of preventive care services.
- Make it easy to find clear information about where to go for care.
- Recognize that people who care for others also need support.
In many cases, employee caregivers do not need their employer to have every answer. They need to feel that they are not alone, that they can ask for guidance, and that they have tools to better manage their own health and family responsibilities.
This is where a health plan can become an important ally. Beyond serving as an employee benefit, it can help people navigate services, access preventive care, and find support when health needs arise.
When a business supports caregivers, it also supports the entire team. Doing so can help reduce stress, prevent unexpected absences, and strengthen engagement among the people who keep the business running every day.
For a small or midsize business, supporting caregivers is a human choice and a way to protect team stability and business continuity.