Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees

Selma Archer & Zack Demopoulos
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Did you know that in 2020 there were 53 million caregivers in the United States? By 2025, this number is expected to significantly expand to 62.5 million. 73% of these individuals have to juggle the responsibilities of working a job while being a caregiver. They are called “working caregivers” and are often referred to as “invisible” because they typically remain silent about their caregiving challenges. Nor do they seek help from their colleagues at work or their managers, choosing to face alone the negative financial, physical, mental and emotional impacts that being a working caregiver often presents.  Employers, you have a tremendous opportunity to support the working caregivers in your workforce. "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast that will show you how.  Hosted by Selma Archer and Zack Demopoulos, authors of a book with the same name, this series dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by working caregivers and their employers.  Whether you are in the C-suite, a leader, HR, or a working caregiver yourself, "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast for you. We address the pressing issues of retaining talent, managing productivity, and creating a supportive workplace culture. Learn how to provide meaningful benefits, understand the costs and implications of caregiving on healthcare, and foster an environment that values and supports your employees through their caregiving journey.  We can all help make meaningful differences in the lives of employees who work and care for others. Tune in every other Tuesday to gain insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussions that aim to solve the unique problems working caregivers encounter. Don’t forget to visit our website, invisibleemployeeadvocates.com, to subscribe to our newsletter, and purchase our book to learn how we can help you strengthen your workplace to become more supportive of working caregivers. 

  1. Jun 3

    The Hidden Cost of Putting Yourself Last as a Caregiver

    As working caregivers, we often focus so much on caring for others that we forget one critical truth: caring for ourselves is not optional. In this episode, we sit down with psychiatrist, coach, and financial wellness advocate Dr. Billina Shaw to explore the often-overlooked physical, emotional, mental, and financial impacts of caregiving. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical wisdom, Dr. Shaw helps us understand why self-care is a necessity—not a luxury. We also dive into the connection between mental health and financial wellness, the challenges caregivers face in the workplace, and how shifting our mindset around money can reduce guilt, shame, and stress. Whether you're currently caring for a loved one or preparing for the possibility in the future, this conversation offers valuable perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead. Episode Highlights [1:40] - Meeting Dr. Billina Shaw and exploring the health impacts of caregiving [2:23] - A personal family story that reveals the physical toll caregiving can take [4:49] - Why self-care is non-negotiable for caregivers [6:25] - Navigating grief, loss, and creating meaningful family rituals [8:20] - Why so many caregivers struggle to ask for help [10:24] - The connection between caregiving, mental health, and workplace performance [13:58] - Understanding the financial impact of caregiving and family caregiving costs [16:30] - How financial wellness and mental wellness influence each other [20:21] - The most important financial question every caregiver should ask [25:15] - Dr. Shaw's powerful advice for caregivers: invest in yourself [27:29] - How to connect with Dr. Shaw and continue the conversation Links & Resources Dr. Billina Shaw's Website: https://freelyflourishfinancial.com/Connect with Dr. Billina Shaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-billina/Text "GROW" to 55444 to subscribe to Dr. Shaw's newsletter and receive financial wellness insights and resources.About Dr. Billina Shaw Dr. Billina Shaw is a Yale-educated, triple board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. She holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles across government, private organizations, and her local church. Dr. Shaw is also the Founder & Coach of Freely Flourish Financial, a financial wellness practice inspired by a powerful realization from her clinical work: money isn't just math—it's a combination of numbers and meaning. Recognizing that practical financial knowledge alone rarely creates lasting change, she developed her proprietary Aligned Health & Wealth™ framework to help individuals strengthen both their mindset and financial strategy. Through this work, she empowers clients to move from feeling anxious and stuck to living with greater purpose, peace, and prosperity. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    29 min

  2. May 14

    Breaking the Silence on Caregiver Isolation with Dr. Florence Johnson

    Dr. Florence Johnson joins us for a powerful conversation about the hidden realities of caregiving, the emotional toll so many families carry in silence, and why support systems still fail millions of working caregivers. We unpack the surprising findings from her research, including the cultural and gender differences in asking for help, the financial strain caregivers face, and the critical role community support can play in reducing isolation. We also talk about respite care, adult day services, employer flexibility, and why caregiving conversations need to happen openly and often. Florence brings both professional insight and deep personal passion to the discussion, sharing practical advice that caregivers can start using right away while reminding us that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Episode Highlights [1:50] - Florence Johnson joins the conversation and shares the inspiration behind her caregiving research [2:50] - Surprising study findings about men using caregiving support services more often than women [5:30] - Why isolation and lack of social support make caregiving even harder [8:13] - Florence reflects on witnessing caregiving firsthand growing up in her own family [10:58] - Breaking down the role and value of adult day services for caregivers and families [15:37] - The financial realities caregivers face while balancing work, healthcare, and family responsibilities [18:17] - Why caregiver support services remain difficult to access and afford [20:16] - What employers can do to better support working caregivers in the workplace [23:43] - Practical first steps caregivers can take to build a stronger support network [27:55] - Redefining respite care and why caregivers need permission to rest without guilt [31:36] - Florence shares what’s next in her research and advocacy work for caregivers [32:47] - A hopeful conversation about the future of caregiver awareness and collective action Links & Resources Dr. Florence Johnson LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile“Caregiving Without A Net: Poll shows who needs help the most”: https://ihpi.umich.edu/news-events/news/caregiving-without-net-poll-shows-who-needs-help-most  What Is Adult Day Care?: AARP Resource GuideJason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for CaregivingFind Your Local Area Agency on Aging: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-agingAbout Dr. Florence Johnson Florence Johnson, Ph.D., MHA, MSN, CDP is an Assistant Professor and health services nurse scientist at the University of Michigan School of Nursing. With more than 30 years of experience in home care, hospice, dementia care, and healthcare quality improvement, her work focuses on improving support systems for family caregivers—especially Black dementia caregivers—through research, education, and community advocacy. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    36 min

  3. Apr 22

    Bonnie Wattles of Hilarity for Charity: What Caregivers Are Still Missing

    We sit down with Bonnie Wattles to unpack what it really looks like to support working caregivers—without the fluff and without the one-size-fits-all mindset. From the origin story behind Hilarity for Charity to the growing (and often invisible) population of caregivers in the workforce, we explore why this conversation matters now more than ever. We also dig into the real-life challenges caregivers face daily—balancing work, family, and emotional stress—and the practical tools, community support, and mindset shifts that can make a meaningful difference. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure where to start, this conversation is packed with insights that will meet you exactly where you are. Episode Highlights [0:58] - We kick things off and introduce Bonnie and her work in the caregiving space [3:27] - The origin story of Hilarity for Charity and its mission [6:16] - Why younger caregivers were historically overlooked—and what’s changing [7:23] - The importance of supporting both caregivers and care recipients [11:10] - Exploring HFC’s tools and how caregivers actually use them in real life [13:16] - Bonnie shares personal advice from her own caregiving journey [14:20] - Deep dive into the Caregiver Road Trip tool and why it resonates [18:15] - Virtual support groups and the power of accessible community [19:23] - What employers are missing when it comes to supporting caregivers [23:12] - The real impact of respite care—and why it matters [25:28] - Rapid-fire insights: myths, realities, and small actions that matter [27:31] - Final advice for overwhelmed caregivers: finding community Links & Resources Lindsay Jurist-Rosner’s Caregiver Story (Wellthy About Page): https://wellthy.com/aboutEpisode with Lindsay Jurist-Rosner: https://workingcaregiverspodcast.com/the-future-of-caregiving-at-work-with-wellthys-lindsay-jurist-rosnerNational Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.orgHilarity for Charity (HFC): https://wearehfc.orgHFC Care for Caregivers: https://wearehfc.org/caregiversStories From Real Working Caregivers Series: https://invisibleemployeeadvocates.com/stories-from-real-working-caregiversHFC Caregiver Road Trip (Free Tool): https://wearehfc.org/caregiver-roadmapSupport HFC / Employer Challenge (“Walk the Talk”): https://wearehfc.org/donateWhite Owl Tavern (Wharton, NJ): https://www.whiteowltavern.comContact Hilarity for Charity:info@wearehfc.orgcare@wearehfc.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    30 min

  4. Mar 24

    Why Caregivers Are Often Overlooked at Work

    In this episode, we sit down with Karen Kavanaugh to unpack the real challenges facing working caregivers—and why so many of them still feel invisible. From systemic breakdowns to cultural blind spots, we explore what’s really happening behind the scenes for employees balancing work and caregiving, and why employers can’t afford to ignore it any longer. We also dive into what’s actually working. Karen shares powerful insights from her work with employers across the country, including innovative approaches to supporting caregivers in the workplace. Along the way, we reflect on our own caregiving journeys, what gives us hope, and the critical role community and leadership play in driving meaningful change.  Episode Highlights [1:36] - Welcoming Karen and kicking things off with a lighthearted intro (and Zack’s birthday!) [4:44] - Karen shares her personal caregiving experiences and the impact of employer support [6:58] - How Karen’s career led her into caregiver advocacy and research [11:07] - The role of the Rosalynn Carter Institute and why employer engagement matters [16:39] - Inside the “Innovation Lab” and what employers are learning about caregiving [21:47] - Surprising insights and challenges employers face today [25:05] - Misconceptions on both sides: employers vs. caregivers [28:03] - Practical advice for managers to better support caregiver employees [31:38] - Where Karen finds hope in today’s caregiving landscape [35:37] - Simple, actionable steps employers can take right now [39:04] - What gives us hope as caregivers and advocates Links & Resources Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry Murals https://smarthistory.org/rivera-detroit-industry-murals/ Episode 30: The Future of Caregiving at Work with Lindsay Jurist-Rosner (Wellthy) National Alliance for Caregiving https://www.caregiving.org/ Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/ Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers https://rosalynncarter.org/ REACT Report (AARP) https://caregivers.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AARP-ReAct-MASTER-web.pdf Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Me-Navigating-Meaningful-Caregiving/dp/1668005808 Susie Singer Carter: @susiesingercarter Jason Resendez: Linkedin Karen Kavanaugh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-kavanaugh/ karen.kavanaugh@tuftsmedicine.org Episode 23: Grief, Caregiving, and the Power of Connection with Leslie Weirich If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    44 min

  5. Mar 11

    Navigating the Legal and Practical Challenges After a Cancer Diagnosis

    In this episode, we sit down with Monica Bryant, co-founder of Triage Cancer, to talk about the often-overlooked legal and practical challenges that follow a cancer diagnosis. As caregivers and advocates, we explore how navigating health insurance, workplace rights, and treatment logistics can quickly become overwhelming for families already dealing with the emotional weight of cancer. Monica shares how Triage Cancer empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and reduce stress. We also discuss the role employers and healthcare providers play in supporting working caregivers, how tools like AI may help expand access to information, and why understanding your legal and financial options can make a meaningful difference during the cancer journey.  [00:00] – Why employers want to support caregivers but often don’t know how to start. [01:02] – We welcome Monica Bryant and kick off the conversation with a fun Chicago icebreaker. [02:34] – Monica explains how Triage Cancer was founded and why legal education is critical after a cancer diagnosis. [04:17] – How Triage Cancer helps patients and caregivers navigate legal, financial, and workplace issues. [06:18] – Why caregiving during cancer often becomes urgent and overwhelming for families. [07:32] – The psychosocial impact of caregiving and how access to information can reduce stress and anxiety. [09:09] – The complexities of treatment decisions, insurance coverage, and navigating healthcare systems. [11:20] – How Triage Cancer works with healthcare professionals to better support patients and caregivers. [15:42] – Our discussion about AI in healthcare and where technology can help without replacing human empathy. [19:26] – A powerful real-life story showing how the right legal knowledge helped a father protect his daughter’s cancer treatment. [23:02] – Policy changes and how shifts in healthcare coverage could impact millions of Americans. [25:43] – How listeners can access Triage Cancer’s free educational resources, events, and support tools. [27:59] – Monica’s important reminder: why everyone over 18 should have an estate plan in place. Links & Resources: Triage Cancer website: Home Triage Health website: Home Stacie Vanags' Working Caregiver Story: Stories from Real Working Caregivers Charlotte Bayala Cancer Caregiver Podcast: The Cancer Caregiver Monica Fawzy Bryant is a cancer rights attorney and the co-founder and Chief Mission Officer for Triage Cancer. Monica has dedicated her career to improving access to and availability of quality information on the practical, insurance, financial, and legal issues surrounding serious medical conditions, like cancer. She has provided more than one thousand educational seminars, written articles and co-authored a book published by the American Bar Association called Cancer Rights Law: An Tool for Effective Navigation, as well as appeared on television and radio discussing healthcare related legal issues. Previously, Monica worked as Legislative Counsel for U.S. Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez and Law Clerk for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    31 min

  6. Feb 23

    Supporting Working Caregivers with Real Empathy

    In this powerful and heart-expanding conversation, we sit down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia and author of Be Yourself at Work, to talk about empathy, emotional bravery, and what it really means to lead with heart. We explore how music, mindset, and self-awareness shape leadership—and why the “song in your head” matters more than you think. Most importantly, we dig into what this all means for working caregivers. How do you show up at work when life at home is heavy? How do you lead with compassion without lowering standards? And how can organizations create cultures where caregivers feel seen instead of invisible? Claude doesn’t offer clichés—she offers practical, human-centered leadership that can transform workplaces. Press play. This one will stay with you. Claude Silver is on a mission to revolutionize leadership, talent, and workplace culture. She is the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success. Silver has earned Campaign US's Female Frontier Award and AdWeek's Changing the Game Award and she electrifies audiences at national and international conferences and at organizations, including Meta, Google, US Government agencies, and the US Armed Forces. She has been interviewed on dozens of podcasts and featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart.   Episode Highlights: [0:00] – Claude opens with a powerful message about sharing your caregiving reality at work and lightening the load. [2:00] – Zack and Selma welcome Claude and kick things off with music, authenticity, and The Cure. [6:05] – The “song in your head” story: mindset, self-talk, and a life-changing Outward Bound experience. [9:16] – What it really means to be yourself at work—especially for caregivers balancing home and career. [12:04] – Embracing the mess: why perfection isn’t real at work or at home. [16:15] – The Nana story: generosity, heart-led leadership, and the power of small human moments. [22:05] – Scaling empathy at VaynerMedia: culture champions, psychological safety, and employee support. [25:22] – Defining empathy: riding alongside someone without “wearing their shoes.” [31:18] – A powerful story about a struggling leader and the hidden caregiving crisis behind performance issues. [34:41] – How caregivers can share vulnerability at work without feeling like they’re making excuses. [40:43] – The critical role of HR today: psychological safety, belonging, and empathetic listening. [46:53] – Overcoming the “no budget” excuse: proving the ROI of support groups and ERGs. [49:32] – Emotional bravery, emotional efficiency, and emotional optimism explained for caregivers. [52:40] – Rapid fire: empathy, psychological safety, culture, and what caregivers need most from leaders.   Links & Resources: Claude Silver – https://claudesilver.com  Book: Be Yourself at Work by Claude Silver: https://www.claudesilver.com/book  VaynerMedia – https://vaynermedia.com   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    55 min

  7. Feb 10

    How Pets May Slow Cognitive Decline: What Caregivers and Employers Need to Know

    In this episode, we sit down with two brilliant researchers from Switzerland to explore a topic that instantly resonated with us—the powerful connection between pet ownership, cognitive aging, and caregiving. What started as a conversation about research quickly turned into a deeper discussion about human connection, quality of life, and how everyday relationships—especially with pets—can shape how we age and how we care. We dig into what the research actually shows (and what it doesn’t), why dogs and cats seem to stand out, and how pets can play a role not just for older adults, but for caregivers and families as well. This episode will absolutely get you thinking differently about pets—not just as companions, but as part of a broader support system for aging, caregiving, and even end-of-life conversations.   Episode Highlights: [0:51] – Setting the stage: why working caregivers remain invisible  [1:32] – Selma and Zack welcome listeners and introduce the episode  [2:12] – Meet our guests joining us from Switzerland  [5:09] – A powerful personal caregiving story that shaped a research career  [7:32] – What a longitudinal study is—and why 18 years of data matters  [10:47] – Surprising findings: pet owners didn’t start with better cognition  [11:43] – Why dogs and cats showed stronger cognitive benefits than birds or fish  [14:09] – The potential role of touch, routine, and social engagement  [16:02] – What pet ownership may mean for mild cognitive impairment and dementia  [17:49] – How pets can support family caregivers—and when they add strain  [19:52] – Why this research isn’t a prescription, but a strong signal for support  [21:06] – Pets as emotional bridges before and after loss  [23:17] – What employers and HR leaders can learn from these findings  [24:43] – Big takeaways: pets as part of our social network and quality of life  [27:12] – A candid conversation about end-of-life, grief, and why we avoid the topic  [29:27] – What research is coming next and why it matters   Links & Resources: ·         Research study:  Longitudinal relationships between pet ownership and cognitive functioning in later adulthood across pet types and individuals' ages:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40447721/  ·         Dr. Meier's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/clementmeier/  ·         Dr. Rostekova:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-rostekova-75192a141/  ·         Interview with a young Caregiver mentioned on the show:  https://www.invisibleemployeesbook.com/real-working-caregivers-stories-1-32  If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    32 min

  8. Jan 26

    What Every Working Caregiver Needs to Know About Home Care

    In this episode, we sit down with longtime industry expert and caregiver Scott Greenberg for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about what caregiving really looks like—especially while working. Scott brings decades of experience in home care, but more importantly, he shares what changed when he unexpectedly became a family caregiver himself. This is a grounded, real-world discussion about independence, denial, emotional toll, and the realities families face when care needs show up fast.  We talk openly about affordability, long-distance caregiving, sibling dynamics, and why being proactive—not reactive—can make all the difference. Whether you’re a working caregiver, an employer, or someone who knows this journey is coming, this episode is packed with insight, hard truths, and practical guidance you don’t want to miss. Scott Greenberg is CEO of ComForcare Senior Services, a private-duty, non-medical home healthcare agency serving Miami through Vero Beach. He is Past President of the Florida State Guardianship Association and former Treasurer of the National Guardianship Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Area Agency on Aging. Scott is an award-winning author of Oh My God, I’m Getting Older and So Is My Mom, former host of the 95.9FM True Oldies radio show of the same name, and a nationally certified Alzheimer’s educator since 2014.   Episode Highlights: [0:00] – Why accepting help is not losing independence—but restoring it  [1:15] – Introducing working caregivers as “invisible employees”  [4:30] – Scott shares his personal caregiving journey and unexpected challenges  [6:55] – The emotional toll of caregiving no one prepares you for  [8:00] – Running a business while caregiving: compartmentalizing and perspective  [10:30] – Family dynamics, denial, and hard lessons from past caregiving decisions  [13:50] – How Scott landed in home care—and why the work became personal  [16:00] – Writing a book to help families move from crisis to preparation  [19:30] – Why caregiving youth and childhood trauma deserve more attention  [21:00] – Home care myths, resistance to help, and how attitudes shift over time  [24:15] – The most important questions families should ask home care agencies  [26:45] – Planning ahead: advanced directives, decision-makers, and hard conversations  [31:35] – Long-distance caregiving and why “the village” matters  [34:55] – What employers can do to better support working caregivers  [37:45] – The role (and limits) of AI and technology in caregiving  [40:20] – Affordability, Medicare vs. Medicaid, and planning for long-term care  [44:00] – Final takeaways: proactivity, education, and realistic expectations   Links & Resources: Scott runs ComForcare in south florida is an expert in caregiver resourcesScott has a popular radio show called OMG I'm Getting Older And So Is My Mom!  492 episodes!Scott has written a book by the same name.  https://www.amazon.com/Oh-God-Getting-Older-Mom/dp/1884886647   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    46 min
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About

Did you know that in 2020 there were 53 million caregivers in the United States? By 2025, this number is expected to significantly expand to 62.5 million. 73% of these individuals have to juggle the responsibilities of working a job while being a caregiver. They are called “working caregivers” and are often referred to as “invisible” because they typically remain silent about their caregiving challenges. Nor do they seek help from their colleagues at work or their managers, choosing to face alone the negative financial, physical, mental and emotional impacts that being a working caregiver often presents.  Employers, you have a tremendous opportunity to support the working caregivers in your workforce. "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast that will show you how.  Hosted by Selma Archer and Zack Demopoulos, authors of a book with the same name, this series dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by working caregivers and their employers.  Whether you are in the C-suite, a leader, HR, or a working caregiver yourself, "Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees" is a podcast for you. We address the pressing issues of retaining talent, managing productivity, and creating a supportive workplace culture. Learn how to provide meaningful benefits, understand the costs and implications of caregiving on healthcare, and foster an environment that values and supports your employees through their caregiving journey.  We can all help make meaningful differences in the lives of employees who work and care for others. Tune in every other Tuesday to gain insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussions that aim to solve the unique problems working caregivers encounter. Don’t forget to visit our website, invisibleemployeeadvocates.com, to subscribe to our newsletter, and purchase our book to learn how we can help you strengthen your workplace to become more supportive of working caregivers. 

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