Survey: 82% of Working Caregivers Find Positive Gains, Flexible Work Policies Crucial
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Tung Wah College released findings from a comprehensive survey on the physical and mental wellbeing of Hong Kong's working caregivers, revealing a complex picture of challenges and resilience. The survey, conducted from April to November 2025 with 566 respondents aged 21-73, found that while nearly 60% describe their caregiving burden as heavy, over 80% acknowledge positive outcomes from their caregiving experience. The research highlights that with appropriate workplace support, work and caregiving responsibilities can coexist and even reinforce each other.
Key Points
- Among 566 working caregivers surveyed, 59% rated their caregiving burden as heavy, yet 82% reported gaining positive experiences from the role
- The survey found that one in six caregivers also holds a full-time job, shouldering up to 77 hours of care work per week, with over 60% experiencing physical or mental health impacts
- The most commonly used employer-friendly measures are flexible work hours (33%), part-time arrangements (17%), and remote work options (13%), with flexible hours and work-from-home proving most effective at reducing stress
- Caregivers who utilized supportive workplace policies showed a 10-percentage-point lower rate of above-average depression indices (45%) compared to those who did not use such measures (55%)
- Despite 70% of respondents saying their companies offer at least one caregiver-friendly policy, over half have never used these arrangements, citing concerns about being labelled or workplace culture barriers
Why It Matters
As Hong Kong's population ages rapidly, the number of working caregivers is expected to grow substantially. The research demonstrates that employer-friendly policies are not merely employee benefits but strategic investments that can reduce healthcare costs associated with caregiver burnout and depression. With proper support systems combining flexible workplace arrangements, extended social services, and supportive corporate cultures, Hong Kong can better retain skilled workers while enabling families to care for elderly and vulnerable members sustainably .
As Hong Kong's population ages rapidly, the number of working caregivers is expected to grow substantially. The research demonstrates that employer-friendly policies are not merely employee benefits but strategic investments that can reduce healthcare costs associated with caregiver burnout and depression. With proper support systems combining flexible workplace arrangements, extended social services, and supportive corporate cultures, Hong Kong can better retain skilled workers while enabling families to care for elderly and vulnerable members sustainably .