British retail bank TSB is joining forces with KareHero, a provider of comprehensive adult care support, in a move to support TSB colleagues who juggle work and caring responsibilities with a personalised adult care support service to meet their carer needs.
TSB revealed that around eight per cent of its workforce currently have caring responsibilities, leading to its decision to give all of its near 5,000 colleagues full access to caregiving support provided by KareHero.
KareHero offers a range of services including personalised support from hospital discharge, care needs assessment, care benefits funding review and application support, and legal issues such as power of attorney, and help with finding, arranging, and funding appropriate care on behalf of the carer.
As more UK employees now look after adult dependents than children, TSB says that there has never been a greater need or reason for businesses to support colleagues who are carers.
Ariam Enraght-Moony, chief people officer at TSB, said: “Carers deserve every support possible to fulfil both their caring responsibilities and to maintain, and advance their careers. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with KareHero to help our colleagues navigate the carer landscape with ease and expertise, in addition to the financial confidence our paid carers leave provides.”
Over the next three years, the partnership aims to help TSB employees access up to £1.78million in care funding via its employee benefit solution. It will also look to save its carer colleagues around 13,000 hours – time that they would have otherwise spent arranging carer logistics.
Supporting employees with challenges
TSB is using KareHero to develop a deeper understanding of the practical needs of its carer population, while providing vital support and funding measures. The new partnership builds on TSB’s existing policy of offering two weeks of paid leave to carers, which aims to significantly positively impact both the colleagues’ personal and professional lives.
Given that the average carer spends between 150 and 200 hours of time caring for adult dependents, and the high risk of caregiver burnout and absenteeism, KareHero, combined with TSB’s carers’ leave will help TSB colleagues care for their loved ones without disrupting their career.
Stephanie Leung, founder and CEO of KareHero, also commented: “At a time when the government is keen to get people back to work, and employers are eager to keep great talent and institutional knowledge within the business, it’s impossible to ignore that carers are crucially overlooked. Many take on caring responsibilities for loved ones without even realising it. With many flying under the radar, attempting to balance caregiving with their own careers, the pressures faced by millions are extraordinary.
“Navigating the adult care system in the UK and the benefits available to carers is a complex task. By the time someone turns 50, they have a 50 per cent chance of becoming a carer or needing care. At KareHero, we’re excited to help TSB support all their employees through one of the most challenging journeys of their lives. Over the coming years, UK businesses will increasingly need to support employees through the challenges of balancing caregiving and work. It is fantastic to see TSB lead the way in supporting their colleagues.”
