Who Cares?
Transforming how we combine work with caring responsibilities
In November 2021, Business in the Community (BITC) and Ipsos UK surveyed a representative sample of people across the UK to better understand contemporary attitudes and experiences on combining paid work and care. The results published in this report paint a picture of working policies and practices that are out of touch with the needs and expectations of modern workforces. Who Cares? has been produced in partnership with Ipsos UK, and with the support of Thames Water, Deloitte, Direct Line Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Santander.
The Who Cares? report demonstrates the high cost of this situation. It is undermining gender equality at work and beyond, impacting inclusion and progress at work notably those from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, and denying different groups equitable access to care.
Business in the Community’s Who Cares? campaign
BITC’s Who Cares? campaign, inspired by the report findings, is calling on employers and policymakers to transform the way we think about combining paid work and care. Moving the issue out of the shadows and into the spotlight to build a working culture that is in tune with the employees of today, and tomorrow. Only when we do this can we hope to create a truly equal working world, and support a fairer and more equitable society where everybody who wants or needs to can care.
Recommendations for employers
- Consider caring the norm, not the exception.
- Champion equitable access to care for all genders, men and women, in your policies.
- Foster a culture that supports men to care.
- Promote flexible working directly to men.
Download the report for details of actions your organisation can take to transform the way we think about combining paid work and caring responsibilities.
Ipsos UK survey findings
In November 2021, Business in the Community (BITC) and Ipsos UK surveyed a representative sample of people across the UK to better understand contemporary attitudes and experiences on combining paid work and care. The results published in this report paint a picture of working policies and practices that are out of touch with the needs and expectations of modern workforces. Who Cares? has been produced in partnership with Ipsos UK, and with the support of Thames Water, Deloitte, Direct Line Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Santander.
Discussion guide
Employee networks or resource groups can play a powerful role in starting conversations and driving change. This document sets out topics for discussion, staff surveys or other ‘listening circles’ or similar to help consider how the recommendations from this report can be implemented in your organisation.
About Business in the Community’s work on gender
Achieving a truly gender-balanced workforce means employers must recruit and progress the best talent, irrespective of gender.
Read more about how BITC can support you to build a more gender equal workplace.