Family Caregiving

Due to the pandemic, many UW–Madison employees are now facing additional family care responsibilities, which they must balance with their job responsibilities. These new family challenges may include child care, elder care, or care for family members impacted by COVID-19.

To support employees and to lessen these challenges, the university is encouraging units to offer workplace flexibilities to employees where possible and appropriate. Workplace flexibilities may include telecommuting, job sharing, alternative work weeks, variable hours, reassignment, and more. Of course, not every situation can be accommodated; for example, remote work may not be possible in some cases, or the work must be done at a particular time and in a particular location.

If you are an employee seeking assistance in balancing work and child care responsibilities, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor or department chair. Every employee concern will be individually evaluated based on duties, work environment, and workplace needs. If you have a medical or disability related concern, see Accommodations & Workplace Flexibilities: Employee Guidance.

If you are a supervisor or department chair, UW–Madison will support your efforts to assist employees facing family caregiving challenges.

On this page, we offer guidance and resources for both employees who are facing family caregiving challenges and their supervisors. Additional resources will be added as they become available, so please check back regularly.