Taking on an Unpaid Second Shift: The Impact of Employment Type on Caregiver Well-being

• In Event: 40203 - Work and Mental Health

Abstract

As Canada’s population ages rapidly, increased pressure on family members to provide unpaid care while participating in the labour force will only continue to grow. The balance between work and care is complex and raises questions of how caregivers must change roles between work and home to meet the care needs of their loved ones, while also contending with their own mental health strain. This research explores the differential effect of employment type between working caregivers (WC) and double-duty caregivers (DDC) and its connection to stress levels. WC balance employment with unpaid caregiving at home, while DDC are care professionals who also provide unpaid care. The study investigates whether caregiving as a profession reduces the strain of unpaid care, hypothesizing that DDC may benefit from not needing to switch roles between work and home, thus potentially reducing the likelihood of stress. Through quantitative analysis this article seeks to unpack these impacts and navigate the relationship between employment, care, and an increased likelihood of experiencing stress when balancing roles.

Author

• Fabio Robibaro, University of Toronto