Employee Burnout Crisis: Care.com’s New Research Highlights a Major Retention Threat

In a revealing press release dated April 8, 2025, Care.com announced the findings of its 2025 Future of Benefits Report, which sheds light on a pressing issue that has been largely underestimated: employee burnout. The research indicates a stark disconnect between how employers and employees perceive the risks of burnout, with 84% of employers acknowledging its significant impact on retention. However, there exists a glaring 24-point gap, as 69% of employees report experiencing moderate to high levels of burnout risk.

The report highlights that caregiving responsibilities are at the heart of this burnout crisis. Among the 58% of respondents who pay for family care, a staggering 83% stated that the struggle to balance work and caregiving duties significantly exacerbates their risk of burnout. The consequences of this imbalance are severe, with employees reporting increased stress (64%), diminished quality of life (48%), and lower job satisfaction (40%).

Brad Wilson, CEO of Care.com, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. “Our research sounds the alarm to business leaders that investing in the well-being of your people—especially caregiving employees—is critical,” he stated. He underscored the importance of providing caregiving support to prevent burnout at its source and build resilient organizations.

The findings of the report indicate that the absence of family care benefits poses a significant retention risk for employers. Approximately 19% of employees have already left their jobs due to a lack of family care benefits, while nearly one in five employees (18% for child care and 20% for senior care) would consider leaving if another employer offered such benefits.

This alarming trend highlights the necessity for employers to reevaluate their benefits strategies. The report reveals that employees with access to caregiving benefits experience significantly lower stress levels (52%), improved work-life balance (52%), and enhanced job satisfaction (40%), among other benefits.

Investing in family care benefits not only enhances employee well-being but also delivers tangible returns for employers. Employees with access to these benefits report higher productivity (45%) and reduced absenteeism (40%). The financial implications are noteworthy: 80% of employers believe that profitability could increase by 25% or more if no employees were at risk of burnout.

Moreover, employees who have access to child care or senior care benefits save an average of nearly $1,000 annually on these services, further cementing the argument that family care benefits represent a win-win scenario for both employees and employers.

The report concludes with a call to action for both employers and employees. There is a shared recognition that addressing caregiving challenges is not solely a personal responsibility; it is a business imperative. A significant 72% of employees believe that employers have a duty to help reduce the costs of care, a sentiment echoed by 78% of employers.

The 2025 Future of Benefits Report serves as a crucial wake-up call for employers to prioritize the well-being of their workforce, particularly those grappling with caregiving responsibilities. As companies navigate the complexities of employee retention in a competitive labor market, addressing burnout through family care benefits can be a transformative strategy. By investing in the well-being of employees, organizations can not only enhance workforce stability but also bolster their bottom line.