海角社区

When you think of your colleagues balancing responsibilities outside of work, what comes to mind? Most might imagine a conventional nuclear parenting situation, where two parents share duties such as nurturing their healthy biological child[ren] or managing typical household demands. However, millions of employees across the workforce are taking on caregiving roles that fall outside traditional definitions. They are deeply involved in what is called 鈥渘ontraditional caregiving,鈥� from supporting aging parents to caring for individuals with disabilities. This often-overlooked segment is the focus of new research published in the Journal of Management by Michael Johnson, associate professor in the 海角社区 Rucks Department of Management, alongside 海角社区 alumnus T. L. Boyd (TCU), and Alison V. Hall (University of Texas at Arlington). Their work shines a light on "nontraditional caregivers" (NTCs) and explores why understanding their experiences is crucial for modern workplaces.

"A nontraditional caregiver is anyone that dedicates time in supporting the needs of another who relies upon them for assistance 鈥� outside of the conventional nuclear parents-to-children relationship," Johnson explained. Examples might include caring for a family member fighting cancer or serving as a foster parent. These unique situations significantly affect an individual's working life, and the impact is widespread. According to Johnson, business leaders often assume traditional caregiving expectations apply to these unique situations, but NTCs face vastly different daily challenges, legal protections, and support levels in the workplace, making understanding their experiences vital for building a better working environment.

 

53 million

Americans caring for someone with special needs

- Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index

80%

Caregivers looking after adults aged 50 or older

- National Alliance for Caregiving

 

Changing a Narrative

The study highlights that NTC isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. It differs profoundly from traditional models based on several factors, including the specific needs of the care recipient (such as caring for someone with a significant disability), the family or social structure involved, and the timing and duration of the care. This type of care can be temporary, like eldercare, or involve distinct episodic challenges. These caregivers often face unique stressors and motivations and can encounter forms of societal prejudice.

While discussions typically focus on the struggles NTCs face, Johnson and his colleagues point to a more empowering aspect. 鈥淥ne of the most significant takeaways from the study,鈥� he noted, 鈥渨as how these individuals also develop unique strengths, termed enrichments. The unique stressors these individuals face help them develop character strengths like compassion, resilience, and optimism that other employees might not have."

Understanding the distinct challenges and enrichments of NTCs is key for workplaces. The study emphasized the critical role of managers in fostering an environment that enables NTCs to thrive. A crucial first step is proactive leadership, where awareness at the top can pave the way. Simply improving communication between managers and employees, for example, can significantly enhance workplace support. Beyond that, managers can champion structural changes within the organization so that policies are inclusive of all forms of caregiving, not just traditional ones.

鈥� Employees do not forget about their outside-of-work life once they walk into their job. In contrast, these experiences stick with an employee and affect their work and their organization. Organizations should institute training ... that boosts leaders鈥� awareness of the prevalence and impact of the caregiving demands for [NTC] employees. 鈥�

 

Next Steps

While this study covered 10 NTC roles, Johnson suggested that future research needs to explore a broader range of roles, such as pet care or atypical family structures involving situations such as adoption, and develop tailored approaches accordingly. The goal is to help organizations capitalize on the "enrichments" NTCs possess while mitigating the "deficits" they may face, thereby fostering success both at home and the workplace.

Ultimately, the journey to fully understand and support nontraditional caregivers is ongoing. Thanks to Johnson鈥檚 study, researchers now have a clearer roadmap for investigating its nuanced effects. As the research evolves, so must the workforce and those who lead it. By better recognizing the range and realities of millions of NTCs, workplaces can create environments where the unique strengths of these employees are empowered, building stronger and more effective organizations for everyone.

 

About the Researcher

Michael Johnson鈥檚 work examines the unique workplace consequences of issues like social class, gender, criminal histories, obesity, and unethical workplace behaviors. His research has been published in top management journals, including the Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Business Venturing, and Leadership Quarterly, and has also been featured in press outlets such as USA Today, Forbes, and the New York Post.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHAEL JOHNSON

 

About the Rucks Department of Management

The Rucks Department of Management at 海角社区's E. J. Ourso College of Business endeavors to prepare students for careers in fields such as international management, human resources, and strategic leadership. A generous donation by 海角社区 alumnus William W. Rucks and his wife, Catherine, has aided the department in securing faculty who are repeatedly recognized for their research and has assisted student-affiliated organizations in achieving top honors nationally.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT