Carers at Work - Carers SA

Carers SA is South Australia’s lead organisation for the Carers + Employers program and is committed to helping employers create workplaces where Carers can thrive.

Supporting Employers to Support Carers

Every workplace is touched by caring responsibilities. One in eight Australian employees is balancing paid work with a caring role, and that number will grow as our population ages and we work for longer. Carers are in every organisations.

Creating Carer-friendly workplaces helps organisations attract and retain talent, improve employee wellbeing, and build a more inclusive workforce.

Leading the Way in South Australia

Carers SA Carers + Employers Accreditation

Carers + Employers defines best-practice standards for supporting staff with caring responsibilities, and is the first initiative in Australia to formally accredit Carer friendly employers.

Accreditation is offered at three levels, Activate, Commit and Excel, so employers can start where they are and build towards Carer friendly practice across the business. Members receive toolkits, consulting or training hours, ongoing support and the Accredited Carer Employer logo.

South Australian organisations of any size, in any sector, can undertake accreditation with Carers SA.

What does being a Carer friendly workplace look like?

Giving Carers in your workplace the ability to balance work and care.
Providing flexibility and support resources to Carers in your workplace.
Making sure your policy and procedures adheres to the Carer Recognition Act 2010 and Fair Work Act.

Organisations that support Carers benefit from:

Improved attraction and retention of skilled employees
Greater workplace flexibility and inclusion
Enhanced employee wellbeing and engagement
Stronger organisational reputation and social responsibility
A more resilient and productive workforce

Supporting Carers is not only the right thing to do, it also is good business practice.

Learn more about accreditation please contact Cathy Cunningham at Carers SA csacep@carerssa.com.au

Explore More About Carers+Employers Accreditation

Download Carers+Employers Brochure Download Tips for a Carer Friendly Workplace

Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative – Self Assessment

For employers not yet ready for accreditation, the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative, otherwise referred to as CIWI, run by Carers Australia and funded by the Australian Government, is a natural first step. Its free self-assessment, toolkit and online learning help organisations see where they stand today, and point the way to formal accreditation.

Explore Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative

Partner with Carers SA

Carers SA is proud to champion Carer-friendly workplaces across South Australia. We welcome the opportunity to work with businesses, government agencies and community organisations committed to creating workplaces where Carers are recognised, supported and valued.

For Carers looking to return to work, our Vocational Pathways program, delivered through Carer Gateway, provides free support into study, work placement and self-employment. The Vocational Pathways program supports Carers to build skills and return to work, and we work alongside employers to register with the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative, so the workplace is ready before the Carer arrives. Over time that builds a network of South Australian employers we can point Carers toward.

Supporting both sides of that equation, employers and Carers, is how we make Carers visible at work, and keep them there.

Together, we can build a more carer-inclusive South Australia.

Learn About CIWI Learn About Accreditation Contact Carers SA for Support