Foto: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — November is National Family Caregiver Month, and Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones attended the Second Annual Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition Convening in the State House Great Hall of Flags.
The secretary handed out awards to policy makers, labor leaders and employers who support those in the workforce who juggle a career and being a family caregiver simultaneously.
"In Massachusetts, more than one million people serve as caregivers for family members, friends and neighbors, all playing an essential role in our health, our safety and our emotional well-being," Jones said.
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Jones explained how important it is for employers to be flexible when addressing the needs of family caregivers, as it keeps the workforce strong and sustainable.
"We really want to make sure that we anchor our workforce and workplace strategies with people in mind," Jones said. "Emphasizing how important our caregivers in the workplace are is so important as we think about ways to attract, retain and develop our workforce, it’s essential."
Five awards were presented at the event. The Policy Trailblazer Champion Award was given to Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid, the Employer Excellence Champion Award was given to Citizens Bank, and the Advocacy All-Star Champion Award was given to Tom Weber, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Coalition for Early Childhood Education and Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council.
More information on the event can be found here.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.