Why recognising caregivers is more than a symbolic gesture

Caregivers quietly sustain families, communities, and workplaces alike. This National Caregivers Day, let us recognise that their efforts are more than just symbolic — it’s about empathy, and building a culture where both employees and organisations can thrive.

Caregiving is often an invisible labour — the kind that doesn’t make headlines but quietly shapes lives. It might be a family member looking after an ageing parent, a professional caregiver supporting someone through daily medical routines, or an informal helper offering emotional support. Though it often goes unnoticed, the impact of caregiving is profound, sustaining families, communities, and the wider healthcare ecosystem.

National Caregivers' Day, observed on the third Friday of February each year (2026: 20 February), recognises those who carry the weight of caring for loved ones battling serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, and other chronic conditions. It's a demanding role, which often comes on top of managing professional responsibilities, making it a dual challenge of the heart and the workplace.

Caregivers can come in many forms — from family caregivers and professional caregivers to independent, private duty, and informal caregivers. Their day-to-day experiences can include:

• Navigating difficult situations,
• Managing paperwork and benefits,
• Balancing work and familial responsibilities, and
• Carrying anticipatory grief.

Events such as the inaugural NUHS Caregivers’ Day in Singapore and the US National Caregivers Day highlight the importance of acknowledging these contributions. They go beyond awards and ceremonies, providing resources, peer networks, and practical guidance — a reminder that caregiving is both skilled and essential.

For employers, recognising caregivers is more than a symbolic gesture. Employees who juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside their professional duties require support, and their wellbeing directly affects engagement, productivity, and retention. Organisations that provide flexible work arrangements, access to resources, or formal recognition foster a culture of empathy that benefits both staff and business outcomes.

Caregivers embody patience, resilience, and adaptability — qualities that resonate far beyond the home. By acknowledging their contributions, workplaces signal that support extends beyond policy, touching the human side of work and ultimately strengthening both communities and organisations.

How employers can show appreciation and support for caregivers

Recognition shouldn’t be a once‑a‑year thing; it can and should be woven into everyday culture. Here are some practical strategies HR leaders and teammates can adopt:

1. Offer flexible work arrangements
   1. Flexible hours, hybrid schedules, or compressed workweeks can help caregivers manage appointments, emergencies, and daily responsibilities without sacrificing their professional commitments.
2. Provide access to resources and support networks
   1. Counselling, peer groups, or connections to external caregiver resources can help employees navigate paperwork, benefits, and the emotional load of caregiving.
3. Create formal recognition programmes
   1. Feature caregivers in newsletters, highlight their stories, or send thank-you notes. Recognition, even small gestures, shows that their work is valued.
4. Promote wellbeing and self-care
   1. Encourage employees to prioritise their health and mental wellbeing. Wellness programmes, mindfulness workshops, or dedicated leave for caregiving can help employees recharge and sustain their caregiving roles.
5. Foster a culture of empathy
   1. Train managers to understand caregiving realities and lead with flexibility and compassion. Empathetic leadership builds loyalty, engagement, and trust.
6. Integrate caregiver support into policies
   1. From leave entitlements to flexible scheduling and employee assistance programmes, consistent policies make it clear that caregivers are supported every day — not just on a designated day.

Caregivers teach us intangible lessons: patience, resilience, and the ability to navigate life’s toughest moments with compassion. By doing more to recognise and support them, these unsung heroes not only strengthen their teams but also contribute to healthier, more compassionate communities.

READ MORE: Three practical ways to support the mental health of employee caregivers