Every year, millions of American workers take time off to care for aging parents, and they must use unpaid leave to do it. But that's changing. Last September, Deloitte LLP, a professional-services firm with more than 70,000 employees, announced that workers may take up to 16 weeks of paid time off to care for children, elderly parents, or a sick spouse or partner. Earlier, Nike announced that its employees may take up to eight weeks of paid leave to care for ill family members.
As elder-care demands continue to affect employee productivity, more companies will likely follow Nike and Deloitte's example, says Jody Gastfriend, vice president of senior care at Care.com, an online marketplace for family-care services. Although the benefit is attractive to older workers, it's also valued by younger employees, she says. About 25% of millennials are caregivers, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving.
And expanding paid leave beyond time off for new parents creates a more equitable workplace, Gastfriend says. “Not all employees have children, or their kids have grown up.”
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Kiplinger Special Report: Business Costs for 2026Economic Forecasts Fresh forecasts for 2026, to help you plan ahead and prepare a budget on a range of business costs, from Kiplinger's Letters team.
-
I’m 57, with $1.8 million saved, and want a low-stress job for the next decade. My wife says keep cranking and retire at 62 instead. Who’s right?We asked expert wealth planners for advice.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
