caring doesn’t stop at the end of a shift

42% of HESTA members provide unpaid care for an average of 38 hours a week, often on top of their paid jobs.

Workers already contribute enormously as professionals in the workplace

Many also go home to care for someone they love. HESTA research about our members’ experience of work, life and care found:

• 42% of members provide unpaid care for an average of 38 hours per week – essentially a second job.
• They’re more likely than the average working-age Australian to be receiving a government Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.
• For those providing unpaid care, they’re just as likely to be caring for an elderly parent or a family member with disability as they are for young children.
• Our First Nations members may carry even heavier caring loads, given broader kinship structures and family obligations.
• Around 80% of HESTA members are women – and women in Australia perform significantly more unpaid care, relative to men, than in other OECD countries.

When carers can't get the flexibility or support they need at work, they reduce their hours, go part time or leave the workforce entirely. In sectors already facing critical skills shortages, that's a problem no employer can afford.

What is the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative?

The Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative (CIWI) is an Australian Government program managed by Carers Australia. It was established from the Australian Government's Jobs and Skills Summit, with a clear goal: to remove the barriers keeping Australia’s carers out of employment. 

CIWI helps employers create workplaces where people with unpaid caring responsibilities can thrive, not just survive, and it's free for employers to participate. Since 2024, CIWI has given HESTA a structured and supported way to build greater carer inclusivity into our own workplace.  

How it could make a difference to workplaces: 

Keep the best people

Carers who feel supported stay. Replacing a skilled employee costs far more than flexible leave or adjusted hours.

Attract talent

Carer-inclusive workplaces stand out. Government-endorsed recognition gives a credible, visible signal to prospective employees.

Reduce unplanned absences

When carers have structured support, crisis absences may drop and predictability improves – for your employers and for them.

Close the gender super gap

Carer-inclusive policies may improve women's workforce participation and can help close the gender super gap over time.

Want to find out more?

• Start your free self-assessment at carerinclusive.com.au.
• Find out more about CIWI at carersaustralia.com.au.