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How Can You Most Effectively Talk to Your Boss about Caregiving and What You Need?

Admin • Mar 08, 2022

It can be pretty scary to talk to your boss about changing up anything to do with your job, especially if you’re doing so because your caregiving needs are taking a higher priority. Here are some tips for being prepared for that talk.

Ask Yourself How Much You’re Comfortable Sharing

Many people don’t share a lot about their private life at work. Or, if they do, it’s with a coworker with whom they’re close. Talking to your boss about your situation may feel extremely awkward. Before you open the conversation, decide what your limit is and how much you’re willing to share. This removes some of the pressure.

Get Clear about Your Job Duties and Description

If you’re not already crystal clear on your existing duties and your job description, get a copy in writing from your human resources department. By starting with what’s expected of you, you’re able to laser focus on what your needs outside of work are and how changes to your current duties can help facilitate that.

Get Clear about What You Need from Your Employer

You also need to get very clear and specific about what you need from your employer. If it’s flexible time off or the ability to work at home, the more specific you can be, the better. Your employer is going to need you to be able to explain how those needs are going to help you and the business at the same time.

Approach the Conversation with Suggestions

Coming into this conversation with a vague request for help is likely not going to get you the response that you want. It’s much better to have a handful of suggestions that you can put on the table. If you don’t ask, then the answer is already “no.” At least if you make the suggestion you might get at least a part of what you want.

Make “Flexibility” Your Motto

Look for ways to make your caregiving life as flexible as you can so that you can meet your employer halfway. This might mean hiring elder care providers to take over for you or having neighbors or other family members fill in when you can’t be there. Even if they are only filling in for an hour or so, that can be enough to give you the flexibility that you need.

You don’t have to go into the conversation with all of the answers, but it helps to have some ideas ready to go.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver in New York, NY, contact Star One Home Care and Medical Staffing at 718-733-2222 or 914-362-0899. Call today!

Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA

Director of Client Services at Star One Home Care


Patricia Coffie, RN, BSN, MFA is Director of Client Services & Director of Phoenix Nurse Aide Training Center. Before assuming the post in 2012, Patricia was the Director or Nursing & Service Delivery at WRC for 3 years where she was the strategic lead for nursing and services to members.


Patricia started her nursing career 19 years ago at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and research institution in New York City, and since then has gained experience in Adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) , Pediatric Care (PICU ), Operating Room (OR) , mental health and community settings. She later moved into director of nursing roles, where she obtained extensive experience in leading and developing the nursing profession. She also pioneered good partnership working with other health care organizations, as well as social services, and the wider community.

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