Balancing Work and Caregiving: The Power of CARES

Life often pulls us in many directions, but for caregivers, the demands can feel especially heavy. Balancing a career while caring for loved ones, whether children, aging parents or even yourself, requires patience, resilience and a strong support system. 

At Gen, the CARES community has become a lifeline for employees navigating these challenges. Designed to provide a network of encouragement, resources and shared experiences, CARES encourages connection and understanding among working caregivers. 

To understand its mission and impact, we spoke with Peter Courtney, P&C Business Partner at Gen and co-champion of CARES. 

Personal Connection  

Peter’s journey with CARES is deeply personal. “I was leading Wellness at Gen when the opportunity came to co-champion CARES,” said Peter. “As someone in a caregiver role myself—my mom is 82 years old and lives in Florida—I knew I wanted to be part of a community that recognizes the unique challenges caregivers face.” 

For Peter, caregiving means providing emotional support and making regular trips to be with his mom, all while managing his career. His experiences inspired him to lead CARES and share his journey with others who might be facing similar challenges. 

Building a Supportive Community 

CARES isn’t just a resource; it’s a thriving community that provides employees with the tools and camaraderie to manage life’s complexities. From caring for an aging parent to raising children or focusing on self-care, CARES recognizes that caregiving takes many forms. 

“Whether you’re supporting a loved one or navigating self-care, CARES is a place to share best practices, ask questions and connect with others who understand your journey,” said Peter.  

Under Gen’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, CARES serves as a foundation for creating connection and support across Gen. 

Safe Space for Connection 

Through meetings, webinars and a Teams channel, CARES creates a space where employees can share their challenges and triumphs. These platforms allow members to exchange ideas, hear from speakers and feel seen. 

“These platforms allow employees to ask questions, share stories and learn speakers,” Peter says. “It’s all about creating a community where people feel comfortable sharing their lived experiences.” 

Resources to Navigate Life 

The CARES webpage equips employees with practical tools and resources to help balance caregiving and work. Members have access to educational materials, webinars and TED Talks, as well as information about Gen’s benefits like the Employee Assistance Program and leave-of-absence options. 

“We highlight programs like the Employee Assistance Program, which is a free benefit for all employees,” said Peter. “CARES ensures caregivers know about the resources available to them, so they can thrive.” 

Why CARES Matters for Everyone 

Even employees who aren’t currently caregivers can benefit from CARES. As Peter points out, caregiving can come unexpectedly: “Whether it’s for a parent, a friend or yourself, being part of CARES prepares you for challenges you might face in the future. It’s about learning from others’ experiences and building resilience.” 

The Bigger Picture 

CARES embodies Gen’s belief that life extends far beyond the workplace. Supporting employees reflects the understanding that well-being is essential for success, both professionally and personally. 

“At Gen, we have competing priorities, but life happens outside of work,” said Peter. "Being part of a community like CARES helps us learn from and support each other in meaningful ways. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone navigating caregiving or simply seeking connection.”