Today is the tenth anniversary of National Caregivers Day. Observed on the third Friday of February, … [+]
Today is the tenth anniversary of National Caregivers Day. Observed on the third Friday of February, it was originally intended to serve as a reminder of those who selflessly provide direct care to aging or ill loved ones, patients, and individuals in need. The definition of “caregiver” has expanded in recent years, reflecting changes in societal norms, workplace policies and economic realities.
America needs comprehensive support systems for caregivers, particularly working mothers who often shoulder unpaid caregiving roles. Many women are compelled to reduce their working hours, accept lower-paying jobs, or exit the labor force entirely due to caregiving responsibilities—exacerbating the gender pay gap and limiting career advancement opportunities.
In the long term, workplace policies should acknowledge and accommodate the dual roles of employees as professionals and caregivers. Doing so is essential for promoting gender equity and retaining talented women in the workforce. But right now, while many organizations lack long-term caregiving policies, they can still show up for family members juggling full-time jobs with caregiving responsibilities, professional caregivers offering critical support, and unpaid individuals stepping up out of necessity.
Here are 14 last-minute, low-lift ways companies can honor caregivers in the workplace—with little to no planning required.
1. Offer a No-Questions-Asked Early Leave Today
Allow employees who are caregivers to log off early without explanation. Whether they need to pick up prescriptions, check on a loved one, or simply rest, this small gesture can make a big difference.
2. Provide a Meal Delivery Stipend
Send caregivers a gift card for a meal delivery service, ensuring they don’t have to worry about cooking tonight.
3. Acknowledge Them Publicly
A simple shoutout in a company-wide email or meeting can validate caregivers’ daily struggles and sacrifices. Recognition matters.
4. Offer a One-Day Mental Health Reprieve
Encourage caregivers to take a mental health day, no strings attached. This small offering acknowledges their emotional burden.
5. Cover Child or Elder Care for an Hour
If your company has access to backup care services, offer to book an hour of respite care for employees today.
6. Make Meetings Optional for Caregivers
Tell employees balancing work and caregiving that they can skip non-essential meetings today—no need to apologize or justify.
7. Send a Care Package (Even a Virtual One)
A digital Starbucks gift card, wellness app subscription, or playlist curated for relaxation—small gifts show appreciation without logistical headaches.
8. Create a Caregiver Support Channel
Open a safe space on your collaboration platform (Slack, Teams, etc.) where employees can share resources, frustrations, and encouragement with others in similar situations.
9. Offer a ‘No Work Emails After 2 P.M.’ Policy Today
Caregivers often need their afternoons and evenings to tend to loved ones. Make today email-free for them.
10. Match Donations to a Caregiving Charity
Encourage employees to donate to organizations like the Family Caregiver Alliance or National Alliance for Caregiving—and match their contributions.
11. Provide an Extra PTO Day
Surprise caregivers with an additional paid day off they can use when they truly need it.
12. Host a Quick Meditation or Stress-Relief Session
Offer a guided meditation or deep-breathing exercise on Zoom to help caregivers unwind for 15 minutes. Or, encourage employees to take a 30-minute self-care break, free from emails, calls, or work obligations.
13. Provide Resources for Legal and Financial Support
Caregivers often struggle with medical bills, estate planning, and guardianship issues. Remind them of available employee resources for legal and financial counseling services.
14. Simply Ask, “How Can We Support You Today?”
Sometimes, the best way to show up is by asking. Open the door for caregivers to share what they need—whether it’s flexibility, understanding, or just acknowledgment.
While National Caregivers Day lasts just 24 hours, these small acts of support can inspire broader workplace policies that benefit caregivers year-round. Whether your company has well-established caregiving benefits or none, today is the perfect opportunity to take the first step.
