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June 25, 2004
In the 1980’s, employers adapted their human resources
policies to accommodate the needs of workers with young children. In
today’s workplace, many of those same workers face a new
responsibility: providing care for an older parent, relative, or
friend.
"Eldercare & Your Businesses" is a half-day seminar designed to
educate Hawaii’s business community about the impact of eldercare
on employees and the subsequent effect on businesses’ bottom
line. The event is co-sponsored by HMSA, AARP, the Elderly Affairs
Division of the City and County of Honolulu, Alu Like, Hospice Hawaii,
and the Executive Office on Aging and is being conducted concurrently
with a major seminar for caregivers.
"Hawaii’s workforce is maturing, and more employees will
become caregivers for their aging relatives," says Pat Sasaki, Director
of the Executive Office on Aging. "Managing the responsibilities of
work and eldercare isn’t easy for workers."
One survey revealed that 56% of respondents said that they were less
productive at work, 51% said they had to take time off during the work
day for eldercare, and 30% reported being absent for a full day to deal
with caregiving matters!!
According to Greg Marchildon, AARP Hawaii State Director, "the
eldercare crisis causes employers to incur significant costs each year
associated with replacement costs for employees who quit due to
caregiving responsibilities, absenteeism, and other costs that
accompany workday disruptions."
The training will help employers, managers, and human resources
managers learn more about their employees’ caregiving burden, and
most importantly, what supportive benefits and policies are currently
available for working caregivers, as well as community resources to
assist employees with their caregiving responsibilities.
Eldercare & Your Business will take place on Saturday, July 10,
2004, from 7:30am – 1:30pm at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort. The
cost is $40, including lunch. For more information, please call the
Executive Office on Aging at 586-7319. Visit www2.state.hi.us/eoa to
download the registration form.
"By implementing policies that are ‘eldercare friendly,’
companies will find it easier to attract & retain the best workers
and increase productivity by reducing stress on employees," said Jim
Tollefson, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
"It is important to remember that the need for a response gets greater
every day. And the cost to businesses of not responding will only get
larger, too."
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For More Information Contact:
Wes Lum
Executive Office Aging
Phone: (808) 586-7319
Laura M. Lott
Department of Health
Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 586-4418
Email: lmlott@mail.health.state.hi.us
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