profawo Blog

Care shortfalls: Challenges facing companies and how profawo can help

Written by Nicolas Schuler | 13.09.2023

Whether childcare, caring for relatives or other family obligations, employee absence due to unforeseen shortfalls in care presents companies with major challenges. It is not uncommon for the absence of a key strategic specialist to bring entire work processes to a halt and even have a negative impact on earnings. Here are some of the main problems employers can be confronted with:

  1. Productivity loss: if an experienced and skilled worker is missing, this can lead to a reduction in productivity and efficiency. Other staff may have to take on additional responsibilities or delegate tasks, which can lead to overload and potential quality deficiencies.
  2. Staff shortages: finding temporary replacements can be time-consuming and challenging. It can be difficult to find qualified and reliable replacements at short notice, especially in sectors with specific requirements.
  3. Costs: labour shortages due to care gaps can also have financial implications. Companies may have to hire additional staff or pay overtime to cope with the labour shortage. This can lead to higher wage costs and put a strain on budgets.

It is therefore understandable that companies seek to support employees in family management in a variety of ways and to minimise absences arising from shortfalls in care.

But fortunately there are service providers like profawo which help companies, via an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), to bridge these gaps and maintain their productivity. How can profawo help?

profawo is a non-profit association whichh supports the employees of affiliated companies in coping with shortfalls in care. Here are a few examples:

  1. Flexible care solutions: profawo offers tailor-made care solutions for employees, whether for childcare, caring for relatives or other care needs. This enables companies to offer support to their employees and provide them with a more balanced work-life balance.
  2. Experienced and qualified carers: profawo has a network of qualified and vetted carers. Employees of member companies can arrange for a relief worker (for childcare as well as caring for relatives), free of charge. The employee receives a reduction on the hourly rate.
  3. Relieving the burden on staff: by becoming members of profawo: member companies actively support their staff “hands on” with bridging gaps in care. This support, as well as the fact that the employer is committed to ensuring the family-work balance, noticeably reduces the burden on employees. Not only do employees gain a great employer, but the company also gains in terms of productivity, satisfied employees, and attractiveness.

Among other things, profawo supports companies in the field of employer branding and in coping with staff shortages due to care shortfalls. Here are some of the ways in which profawo can lend a hand to companies.

In addition, profawo membership can also have a positive impact on the work-life balance of your employees and position your company as a more attractive employer on the labour market. Furthermore, profawo membership is an attractive fringe benefit whichh can be easily integrated into all employer-branding strategies for your company.

Conclusion

Care shortfalls can pose significant challenges for companies, but service providers like profawo offer solutions to address these issues. With customised care solutions, qualified staff and the relieving of the burden on existing staff, companies can minimise the impact of labour shortages and maintain their productivity. In addition, through membership in the profawo association, companies can position themselves on the labour market as an attractive employer with appealing company benefits.

It is therefore worthwhile for companies to consider such service providers to bridge any care gaps and promote a healthy work-life balance for employees.

Want to know more about membership? Then book an appointment today!