McMaster Continuing Education and McMaster University School of Earth, Environment and Society Launch Free Online Course: Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, ON – March 20, 2024

In response to the growing intersection of caregiving and workplace responsibilities in today’s society, McMaster Continuing Education, in collaboration with Dr. Allison Williams, Professor and Faculty of Science Research Chair in McMaster University’s School of Earth, Environment & Society, is launching a free online course called “Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces.” As a professional development course, it is approximately ten hours in length and will be launched in April, building on the momentum of National Caregiver Day on Tuesday, April 2.

Statistics from 2018 show that 1 in 4 Canadians grapple with the challenge of combining their work commitments with caregiving responsibilities. Those who manage this juggling act are called carer-employees. They are from diverse age groups and backgrounds and make up the backbone of the social and healthcare system, contributing significantly to the care of adult children, family, friends and neighbours, while also contributing to the country’s economy as paid employees. The demands of juggling paid employment with unpaid caregiving duties have become uniquely complex and often cause a range of negative health outcomes.  

This new, flexible online course aims to tackle this growing issue by equipping employers, employees, and other stakeholders with practical strategies to support carer-employees effectively. Doing so will not only retain carer-employees in the labour market, but better enable them to sustain good health. The course aligns with the CSA B701:17 (R2021) Carer-Inclusive and Accommodating Organizations Standard and accompanying handbook CSA B701HB Helping worker-carers in your organization, which enables workplaces to not only do the best for their employees, but to keep up with industry best practices, address EDI, and do the right thing. The course will benefit small, mid-size, and large organizations across all sectors of the economy.

Dr. Allison Williams, a social scientist and health geographer by training, shared her insights on the pressing need for caregiver-friendly work environments: “As our ageing society demands more support, it becomes crucial for workplaces to adapt and support those balancing their paid work and unpaid caregiving responsibilities. This course is a step towards creating a supportive culture and sharing strategies based on the Standard with organizations.”

Participants in the online course will have the opportunity to earn a microcredential in fostering caregiver-friendly workplaces. This credential can be used towards professional development job requirements, as well as displayed and shared on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn. The credential is also a tangible representation of their commitment to creating supportive work environments.

Lorraine Carter, Director of McMaster Continuing Education, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “In the face of demographic shifts and the challenges posed by an aging population, the need for caregiver-friendly workplaces has never been greater. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we are committed to creating environments that support the well-being and productivity of carer-employees across Canada.”

For those interested in learning more about the Creating Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces course and obtaining a microcredential upon successful completion of the course, please visit: https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/programs/health-social-services/creating-caregiver-friendly-workplaces/

About McMaster Continuing Education:

McMaster University Continuing Education has inspired people to discover and achieve through lifelong learning since 1931. As one of Canada’s largest and leading providers of continuing education for adult learners, McMaster Continuing Education’s purpose is to develop and realize both individuals’ and society’s potential by providing the education to thrive in today’s dynamic world.

About McMaster University School of Earth, Environment & Society (EES):

The School of Earth, Environment & Society (EES) is committed to providing an innovative, stimulating and rewarding learning experience with world class facilities, a multidisciplinary research environment and offering field, laboratory and modelling opportunities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Karen Hamilton
Assistant Director Marketing and Enrolment
hamilk14@mcmaster.ca

McMaster Continuing Education
https://continuing.mcmaster.ca/