Survey: Gen Xers Grappling with Caregiving Responsibilities on the Job

A new survey finds Gen X-age employees devoting substantial time tending to caregiving responsibilities, with the emotional demands of these duties helping to fuel workplace stress and burnout.

Career resource website Zety recently polled more than 1,000 Gen X workers (between the ages of 46 and 61). Nearly one in four respondents (22%) said they spend more than 16 hours each week on caregiving responsibilities, according to Zety’s report on the findings.

The data “sheds light on the significant time and emotional demands many face while holding down a full-time job,” according to Zety.

For example, 37% of workers in this generation who are currently caring for aging relatives also support minor or adult children. Among these with caregiving duties, 54% said these responsibilities cause stress and burnout at work, while 44% acknowledge struggling to stay focused and productive on the job.

In addition:

• 42% indicated that their caregiving responsibilities hamper their ability to communicate with co-workers.
• Another 40% reported interruptions during the workday, such as appointments, pick-ups or emergencies, related to their caregiving duties.
• Thirty-seven percent said their ability to start and complete work on time is compromised.

“Sandwich generation caregiving pressure is hitting Gen X during their peak earning years,” the report read. “For solo caregivers [18% of respondents with caregiving duties], having no backup means constantly managing family crises, leaving them with little time or energy to focus on their own future goals.”

Still, 30% of caregivers surveyed said they receive little or no employer support to help them balance their personal and professional demands.

The researchers suggested keeping open lines of communication with workers who are also caregivers, to ensure they have the resources and flexibility they need to succeed.

“For many Gen X professionals, caregiving is no longer a temporary challenge to work around. It’s become a lasting part of their career reality, influencing how they spend their time, manage their finances, and think about the future,” according to the report.

“As these responsibilities become more common, understanding their impact may help inform conversations about employee support, workplace flexibility and long-term workforce planning.”