5 Reasons Why Companion Care Is an Essential Benefit for Your Remote Workers Today

Companion care boosts the morale of your remote workers and creates a supportive work environment with increased productivity.

The remote and hybrid business models that gained traction during the pandemic are still a reality for many employees, who can spend 40+ hours a week at home. However, this work-from-home (WFH) setup often involves employees also providing caregiving duties—for their children and aging parents or other relatives. In this scenario, companion care is a crucial benefit that addresses several common problems faced by employees and the companies they work for.

Companion care is a boon for older adults less socially and physically active due to illness, injury, and other age-related challenges. Companions provide activities that include social, physical, and mental stimulation and also assist with basic daily tasks. Moreover, companion care doesn’t just help the direct recipients—it’s also a huge plus for WFH employees trying to focus on their jobs.

The World Today

Over the last few years, workplace structures have changed significantly. Businesses and employees have taken on board the major gains that came with the added flexibility of remote work. As such, in one 2022 Flexjobs survey, nearly 97% of employees surveyed now prefer either a hybrid (32%) or remote (65%) work model.

And this isn’t going to change anytime soon. Similar polling from Owl Labs finds that some 66% of workers would think about quitting if forced to return to the office full-time. Furthermore, more than 50% would consider pay cuts to maintain a flexible work environment.

With more people choosing remote options, employees are changing their expectations about what constitutes adequate accommodations and perks. They appreciate the ability to choose where they work—and report improved productivity when working remotely. The WFH model brings with it valuable advantages for attaining the optimal work-life balance.

What Work From Home Looks Like for Employers and Employees

Working from home can look different from the perspectives of the employer and the employee. Both face unique challenges. For employers, this might include managing remote workers, ensuring productivity, and maintaining company culture. For remote workers, a home office means juggling household responsibilities and distractions.

In addition, the WFH model can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness, which impact mental health and well-being. And if these employees are also caregivers for older parents, their day-to-day strain is even more pronounced. For this reason, companion care can significantly benefit both employees and employers, addressing some of the challenges of this paradigm while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Benefits of Companion Care for Both Employees and Employers

Because it promotes better mental and physical health, companion care can boost levels of work satisfaction for the employee. In addition to promoting employee happiness, productivity, and retention, it lowers absenteeism rates. Providing companion care is also a way for businesses to show their employees how much they care about their well-being—thus raising employee morale. Here are just a few of the advantages:

1. Improved Work-Life Balance

As adults live longer and demographics shift, more employees are providing care to their elderly parents and relatives. Caregiving has enormous obligations that only increase over time. When employees have to juggle these responsibilities with their expected work hours, it can dramatically impact their productivity. This is where companion care can be a lifesaver—lowering stress, saving time, and helping remote workers handle their household duties and responsibilities. The result is a better work-life balance and more time available for work and self-care.

2. Lower Stress and Burnout

For seniors, having a companion can make a substantial difference in terms of social connections and self-esteem. Likewise, this helps the professionals who are their loved one’s primary caregivers, providing a solid support network that alleviates stress and enhances general mental health.

Knowing that a trusted companion cares for their family member gives an employee peace of mind. Moreover, it frees them up to concentrate on their work. And if the employer is offering this perk, employees don’t have to struggle as much to provide this necessity for themselves or their loved ones.

3. Improved Employee Retention

Modern employees put a huge premium on flexible work locations and hours. Employers can show their support by offering companion care as an incentive. A move like this will raise employee satisfaction and engagement—translating into higher retention levels. When employees feel they are valued as individuals and appropriately compensated for their work, their productivity isn’t the only thing that improves. They also become more loyal to the company.

4. Better Health and Wellness

Employees who are caregivers often have greater healthcare needs—thus costing companies more. Remote workers suffer some of the same physical and mental health issues due to working in an isolated environment where they don’t receive sufficient support. These triggers of physical and mental burnout can be reduced with the assistance of companion care for their loved ones. Companions can lighten a load of physical duties, running errands, or helping with household chores. Moreover, they are instrumental in easing loneliness and fostering social support for the elderly and their families.

5. Demonstration of Employer Support

Nothing shows your employees that you support them, like providing help directly impacting their lifestyle and personal well-being. Through companion care, businesses can demonstrate their concern for workers’ professional and personal lives. And when you support your employees, they can more effectively support you.

Companion Care from Companies that Care

Remote employees are often isolated in their home environment, sometimes caring for elderly relatives with little support from work or family. Access to companion care can be a game-changer. For instance, it’s a great solution for boosting the morale of your remote workers, thus creating a supportive work environment—and enhancing productivity.

As more adults become caregivers—and more companies rely on remote work—companion care is set to become an invaluable benefit for your employees. Providing compassionate care as a benefit to your employees makes finding and keeping talented employees easier, as carers can perform simple, everyday duties while providing emotional, physical, and mental support. Get in touch with Call Emmy today and find out about the corporate packages we offer.