Gabby Austen Browne , founder of Diversity Alliance , urges companies in the sector to take care of their ‘ caregivers ’

s companies in the events industry work on strengthening their DEI policies to create meaningful and positive changes in their employees ’ lives , it is crucial that they do not overlook the unique challenges faced by working carers . Caregivers often struggle to balance their professional responsibilities with their unpaid care duties , and the lack of adequate support and policies surrounding leave can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and ability to thrive in the workplace .

As with many DEI themes , most of us are likely to be affected by this at some point in our working lives and may be called upon to provide care ourselves , especially as our population ages and life expectancy increases . The Carer ’ s Leave Act 2023 , which came into force on 6 April , 2024 , is a significant piece of legislation that entitles employees

“ Supporting working carers enhances an organisation ’ s reputation and helps attract and retain staff ”

who balance work with unpaid care to receive five working days of leave within a 12-month period . It ’ s a provision that I wholeheartedly support and will help caregivers feel more comfortable attending to the needs of their dependents without fear of negative consequences . With this in mind we need to be aware of the importance of creating a supportive culture and implementing policies that allow employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively . Companies need to make sure these policies are in place and are readily available to employees and candidates – including in job advertisements , onboarding packs and company intranets . By doing so , we can ensure that our teams are aware of the support available to them , helping them feel more comfortable discussing their challenges openly and requesting the support they need .

There are many compelling reasons why employers in the events industry should work to create ‘ carer-friendly ’ workplaces . Supporting working carers not only

Gabby Austen Browne

enhances an organisation ’ s reputation among employees , customers , and clients but also helps attract and retain staff while reducing overall stress and sickness leave . In addition , providing support is simply the right thing to do from a moral standpoint .

It would be great to see the industry prioritise the needs of working carers and provide the support individuals need to thrive both personally and professionally , despite their circumstances . In addition to implementing a standard caregivers policy , employers should focus on a few key strategies . These include cultivating a culture of support , introducing flexible working arrangements , supporting carers ’ leave , empowering people managers to assist carers , and providing information , resources , and peer-to-peer support . By taking these steps , we can demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of our teams and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment . CN