Our first campaign, launched on September 6 (labour day) is building awareness among Canadian employers of the need for caregiver friendly policies and programs as they shape their future workplace structures post COVID-19. The health care sector, and home care especially, is facing unprecedented recruitment and retention issues. Home care providers cannot risk losing skilled employees. Increased employee turnover and a diminished workforce not only affects operational productively and costs it has huge potential impact on the quality and continuity of patient care.

Many health care workers are experiencing psychological distress because of the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. These stresses are present in their work life (e.g. heightened focus on patient safety, changing directives, understanding and use of PPE and prevention protocols) and their personal life (e.g. safety of family members, increased caregiving responsibilities, isolation from loved ones).   The challenges of dealing with COVID-19 will not go away soon. Employers must create flexible workplace environments and have the policies and tools to support their valued employees and promote a positive work-life balance.