Combining informal care and work: making practical arrangements

This article provides guidance on care leave, discussions with your employer, and practical planning.

Many people face the challenge of combining informal care with their work. This can sometimes be heavy, especially as the care becomes more intensive. It is important to know what arrangements you can make with your employer and how to organize care for your father without compromising your work.

What are the options for care leave?

There are various options for care leave if you want to combine informal care and work. It is important to be open with your employer about your situation so that you can look for solutions together.

Legal types of leave:

• Short-term care leave: This is intended for necessary care for a sick relative, such as a child or partner. You are entitled to a maximum of twice your weekly working hours per year. If you work 32 hours a week, that is a maximum of 64 hours. During this leave, your employer pays at least 70% of your salary.

• Long-term care leave: This is for situations where you care for someone for a longer period, such as in the case of serious illness. You can take a maximum of six times your weekly working hours within a period of 12 months. This leave is usually unpaid, so it is good to think about the financial consequences.

• Emergency leave: This leave is for unexpected situations where you need to provide immediate care.

Discuss with your employer what is possible, such as working more flexibly or working from home. Also, seek support outside of work so that the care does not rest solely on you. Do you have questions about your rights or situation? Contact your employer or {{loket:mantelzorg}} for advice.

What would help you the most in this situation?

How do I prepare for a conversation with my employer?

To prepare well for a conversation with your employer about combining informal care and work, there are several steps you can follow. It can be nerve-wracking, but the conversation can yield a lot.

1. Think about what you want to discuss. Consider the challenges you face and what solutions you have in mind. This helps you to approach the conversation with focus.

2. Schedule an appointment. Make sure you have enough time for the conversation. This makes it easier to discuss everything.

3. Inquire about arrangements. Find out what options are available, such as care leave or flexible working hours. Ask HR about the policy and collective labor agreement arrangements.

4. Put yourself in your manager's shoes. Think about how you can come to solutions together, such as adjusted working hours or working from home.

5. Make concrete agreements. Document what you have discussed and agree on what you want to share with colleagues. Also, plan an evaluation moment to review the agreements.

By following these steps, you make the conversation with your employer about combining informal care and work much easier. What would you most like to discuss with your employer?

What practical adjustments can I make in my work?

When combining informal care and work, there are various practical adjustments you can make. It is important to first discuss what you need in the short and long term. Here are some ideas for arrangements you can discuss with your employer:

• Fixed free hours: Request certain hours in the week to be free for care tasks.
• Different start time: Discuss the possibility of starting work later or earlier.
• Longer breaks: Ask for extra time for breaks so you can recharge or arrange care.
• Flexibility in schedules: Ensure that you are informed in a timely manner about schedule changes.
• Time for care-related phone calls: Request space to make care-related phone calls during work hours.
• Working less due to care: Consider temporarily working fewer hours or making more hours during busy periods.

It is good to know that not every employer can or wants to offer these adjustments, but initiating the conversation can already provide a lot of clarity. For more examples and support, you can check with the loket mantelzorg. What would be an important adjustment for you?

How do I take care of my own well-being as an informal caregiver?

Combining informal care and work can be challenging. It is important to take good care of yourself so that you can continue to manage both your work and the care for your loved one. Here are some tips to ensure your own well-being:

• Communication with your employer: Discuss your situation with your manager. Ask about options for care leave or flexible working hours. This can help alleviate pressure.
• Make clear agreements: Make agreements about your tasks, both at home and at work. This provides clarity and prevents you from becoming overwhelmed.
• Seek support: See if there are other family members or friends who can help. Share the care tasks and ask for help in a timely manner.
• Take care of yourself: Don’t forget to schedule time for relaxation and social contacts. This is essential for your own well-being.

If you find that the combination of work and care becomes too heavy, it is good to discuss this in a timely manner. For advice and support, you can contact {{loket:mantelzorg}}. How do you feel about combining work and care?

When should I seek external help?

When you want to combine informal care and work, it is important to know when to seek external help. With intensive care, it can become heavy, and it is good to look at what you need.

Making arrangements with your employer:

• Discuss your situation openly so that your manager can think along.
• Ask about flexible working hours, working from home, or adjusting your schedule.
• Make use of the legal types of leave: emergency leave, short-term, and long-term care leave.

Seek support outside of work:

• At {{loket:mantelzorg}}, you can get advice and a listening ear.
• If you care for multiple people, make an overview of tasks and who can take them over.

Don’t wait until you are exhausted. Contact caregivers or organizations that can support you in a timely manner. What do you need to maintain the balance between work and care?