Small Business Caregiver Guide a welcome resource in Montana -- home to the highest per-capita number of small businesses in the nation

For National Family Caregivers Month, AARP and Public Private Strategies developed a free Small Business Caregiving Online Resource Guide to help small business owners create family caregiver-friendly workplaces. The guide includes steps and strategies to increase flexibility, connect employees to caregiving resources, and other helpful workplace practices for family caregivers.

“The majority of family caregivers juggle both a paid job with their unpaid caregiving responsibilities at home,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “Supporting these dedicated and experienced employees with smart business policies can benefit all involved, including the employers.”

Montana is home to the highest number of small businesses in the nation as measured on a per-capita basis, according to Fundera.com. Small businesses in Montana employ 67.6% of the state employee workforce.

The new guide is informed by a recent report, which found 7 in 10 employers reported either caring for or having an employee who cares for a parent, spouse, partner, or friend with a chronic, disabling, or serious health condition. The study also found the vast majority (94%) of small business employers agree that supporting caregivers in the workplace is the right thing to do, but only about 1 in 5 have a formal, written policy on family caregiving.

“Employees want to work for employers who understand their need for work-life balance and who provide flexibility so they can address family issues,” said Rhett Buttle, founder and principal of Public Private Strategies. “By offering resources for employers to make their policies more caregiving-friendly, we’re helping small businesses stay competitive in today’s workplace.”

The Small Business Caregiving Online Resource Guide provides small business owners with practical guidance to tackle common challenges and create workplaces that are supportive of caregivers. Additionally, it provides information on the current family caregiver situation in America and shares the small business case for caregiver-friendly workplaces.

To access the guide, visit: https://www.smallbusinesscaregivingguide.org/. The resource is free and does not require an AARP membership.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About Public Private Strategies
Public Private Strategies (PPS) creates opportunities where the public and private sectors meet. We bring together diverse allies including foundations, associations, corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to solve pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we build coalitions, activate campaigns, and create strategic partnerships to drive desired policy and market outcomes.