Care work as a competitive factor for companies

Care work often happens behind the scenes. It begins early in the morning when parents get their children ready for school or daycare, and sometimes does not end until late in the evening, when a phone call with a relative in need of care or the organisation of a doctor’s appointment is due. For many people, care work takes place alongside paid work, often unseen but carrying a great deal of responsibility.

Care work is part of everyday life for many working people

In Switzerland, many people take on responsibility for others. Around 1.8 million people look after children under the age of 15, whilst around 600,000 people regularly support or care for relatives (Federal Statistical Office, 2024). At the same time, the need for support in old age is growing. In 2024, over 424,000 people received care services from Spitex organisations, which shows just how much care and support needs to be organised in everyday life (Federal Statistical Office, 2025).

These figures make it clear: care work has long been part of the reality of life for many working people and is therefore also an issue for businesses.

Skills developed in everyday life

Those who take on responsibility for children or relatives develop numerous skills in everyday life that are also important in professional life. These include, for example, organisation, communication or the ability to find solutions in difficult situations.

Daily life with care responsibilities often involves coordinating appointments, resolving unexpected situations or keeping track of several tasks at once. It is precisely in these situations that skills emerge which are also in demand in a work context – such as:

• Organising and coordinating complex everyday situations
• Communication and conflict resolution skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Resilience and emotional regulation

Studies show that many of these skills are strengthened through caregiving experiences. In one study, over 80% of respondents stated that their family roles had helped them develop skills that they could also apply in their professional lives (Lask & Junker, 2018). At the same time, these informally acquired skills often remain unseen in a work context.

International research also shows that caregiving experiences foster skills such as time management, multitasking, communication and problem-solving – skills that are particularly in demand in the modern labour market (Smith, 2024).

A potential that is often underestimated

When care responsibilities are not taken into account in the workplace, many employees experience pressure. At the same time, significant potential remains untapped: people with care responsibilities often possess strong organisational and social skills. Companies that recognise this reality and support their employees – for example, through flexible working arrangements or counselling services – create better conditions for long-term collaboration.

Work-life balance becomes a key to success

The shortage of skilled workers and an ageing society make it clear:
Balancing work and care responsibilities is becoming increasingly important. Companies that support their employees in these life situations not only contribute to social responsibility, they also enhance their appeal as employers.

profawo supports companies and employees in finding solutions for balancing work and care responsibilities through counselling, online sessions, information and other practical services.

References (APA 7)

Federal Statistical Office. (2024). Families in Switzerland: Care for children and relatives. Federal Statistical Office.
Federal Statistical Office. (2025). Spitex Statistics 2024: Home Help and Care. Federal Statistical Office.
Lask, J. E., & Junker, N. M. (2018). Parenting skills and work. WorkFamily Institute.
Smith, S. (2024). Unlocking potential: The transferability of skills from motherhood to the workplace. University of Phoenix.