Talking to your employer

You aren’t required to tell your employer that you are a carer. However, talking to your employer about your caring duties may help them be more understanding and accommodating of your needs. It may also help you to access carer’s leave and flexible working arrangements.

Before talking to your employer, investigate the policies your workplace has for employees with caring responsibilities or what your award says. For more information on your rights at work visit Workplace Rights.

You might discuss:

• the impact of caring responsibilities on your work commitments
• taking time off or setting up flexible working arrangements
• if the caring role is likely to be short-term or long-term
• ways your employer may be able to support you
• the benefits for your employer if you stay in your position
• who should know about your situation, and whether you want to share information with your colleagues.

If you are considering resigning, talk to your employer. They may not want to lose you and may suggest some options to help you remain at work that you hadn’t considered.

If you tell your colleagues about your caring role, they may be a source of support or provide some ideas for how the team can adapt to your changed needs. Some of your colleagues may also be working carers. However, if you prefer to keep your caring role confidential, your employer needs to respect your wishes.

---

---