A practical look at caring responsibilities, intermittent absence, and early intervention in the workplace.

In this episode of The Care Break, Rosemary speaks with HR and workplace resolution specialist Louisa Meehan about the realities of family caring and work, and the threads that often go unnoticed in workplace conversations.

Louisa unpacks the difference between caring responsibilities and being a family carer, explaining how this gap in understanding shapes everything from communication to absenteeism. She also explores why intermittent absence is one of the biggest operational challenges for employers, and how hidden caring can quietly affect performance, wellbeing, and workplace culture.

Together, they talk about the emotional load carers carry, the risk of late disclosure, and the reality of capacity and career progression during intense caring periods. The conversation is honest, practical and grounded in what HR leaders, managers and working carers experience every day.

In this episode, we explore:
- The distinction between “caring responsibilities” and being a family carer

- Why intermittent absence is often the real operational challenge

- The risks when caring stays hidden until performance conversations begin
- What support is realistic for employers to offer and what isn’t
- The emotional weight of caring and the need for early, honest communication
- Why early intervention protects both employees and organisations
- How capacity, progression, and wellbeing intersect during caring periods

This episode unpicks a complex issue thread by thread, from workplace wellbeing and employee support to HR leadership, communication and the expectations placed on working carers.

Take a short break with us as we look at what really happens when caring and work overlap.

Social links:

The Care Advocate website: www.thecareadvocate.ie

Follow the Care Advocate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-care-advocate

Follow Rosemary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemary-daynes-kearney

Guest Details:

Follow Louisa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisameehan

Woodview HRM

http://www.woodviewhrm.com/