Compatibility of occupation with nursing relatives in small and medium-sized businesses : Results of an explorative study in a "rural urban" center in eastern Lower Saxony

Abstract

In view of the increasing duties of employees as caregivers for relatives, questions arise concerning the compatibility of work and caregiving in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim of this exploratory study was to give first insights into this issue whereby the related perceptions and needs of this group were investigated. The research included semi-structured interviews with company executives and two workshops with employees according to the photovoice method. The results showed that the enterprises preferred informal in contrast to formal arrangements. Also, they did not have any knowledge concerning the care-related needs of their employees. The chief executive officers showed ahighly superficial awareness of this problem. On the employees side the organizational efforts to maintain the care arrangement at home were articulated as amain issue, which could be supported by flexible working time regulations; however, in the current practice this was granted by the employers at the expense of their employees.