Eldercare

Abstract

Although programs designed to assist employees with child-care needs have experienced tremendous growth in recent years, eldercare is rapidly emerging as an employee assistance issue with both individual productivity and organizational performance ramifications. In this article we first explore the increasing prominence of eldercare as an employee assistance issue. Second, we assess the effects of eldercare on worker productivity and thus organizational performance. Third, and finally, we explore the viability of using existing programs to accommodate eldercare needs; particularly for organizations affected by eldercare issues but lack the resources to pursue more costly alternatives.