What Helps Working Informal Caregivers? The Role of Workplace Characteristics in Balancing Work and Adult-Care Responsibilities. Published online: 15 December 2012, doi: 10.1007/s10834-012-9347-7

Population ageing and expected labour shortages mean that successful reconciliation of adult care and paid work is becoming a key issue for employers, employees and frail older people alike. Based on the detailed workplace-related variables in the fourth European Working Condition Survey, we examined differences in levels and determinants of carers' and non-carers' role conflict and one of its outcomes, absenteeism. We found caregivers to exhibit higher levels of perceived work-family conflict. Work schedules and time regimes affect carers' and non-carers' work-family conflict alike. However, good friends at work and work overload have a larger impact on carers' work-family conflict. Furthermore, we found indications for a trade-off between perceived work-to-family conflict and absenteeism via workplace policies.