Every day, all around the world, people collectively dedicate a staggering 16 billion hours to unpaid care work. This work encompasses an array of tasks: cooking for families, cleaning, caring for children, and supporting elderly relatives, among countless other routine household responsibilities. These activities unfold constantly, in every corner of the globe. Yet, because those who perform this labor often go uncompensated, society tends to overlook their vital contributions.
Care work is a broad term that encompasses all activities undertaken to support others. While some forms of care work, like nursing or childcare, are remunerated, a significant portion is carried out without financial compensation. Tragically, the burden of unpaid care work predominantly falls on women. Personal experiences underscore this reality for many of us. Family members, friends, or acquaintances who selflessly provide care without payment often remain unsung heroes.
The COVID-19 pandemic cast a harsh light on the invisible yet indispensable realm of care work. As schools shuttered, and healthcare systems strained, the amount of time spent on unpaid care and domestic work doubled for working parents. This predicament disproportionately affected women, exacerbating stress and forcing many out of the paid labor market. The pandemic, in essence, reversed decades of progress. Nevertheless, it also underscored the importance of care work. Suddenly, it was apparent on Zoom calls and necessitated limits on overtime. Some workplaces adapted and celebrated this newfound recognition.
Now, we have a golden opportunity to confront the significance of care work, reshape our perspective on it, and create more accommodating workplaces. A crucial step is for caregivers to acknowledge the importance of what they do. Care work is real, essential labor, whether performed alongside paid employment or during a sabbatical caring for a loved one. It is challenging and can evoke a wide range of emotions. There is no need to apologize when discussing your needs with your employer. Instead, be explicit about what you require, whether it's time off or a flexible schedule.
It is also vital for caregivers to recognize the skills they acquire through their work. Caregiving encompasses diverse tasks, from handling logistics to interpreting medical information and managing finances. These skills are invaluable and applicable in various contexts. If you are seeking paid employment, include your caregiving experience on your CV and emphasize the skills you have gained, such as multitasking, project management, and communication.
However, the onus isn't solely on individuals; systemic change is imperative, starting with employers. Employers must create a safe space for employees to discuss care work without fear of penalties or prejudice. Caregiving should be part of the conversation from the outset, even during employee training. Workplaces should track and understand the care responsibilities of their employees, leading to necessary policy changes for improved work-life balance. Caregivers should not miss out on opportunities for key projects or promotions due to their caregiving duties.
Instead of concealing care work as a hidden aspect of our lives, workplaces should openly acknowledge it. Flexibility is crucial to accommodate caregivers' needs, whether they are parents or caregivers to the elderly or those with disabilities. This includes allowing time off when children are sick, permitting schedule adjustments for family commitments, and offering remote work options. Importantly, workplaces should offer reasonable leave for those caring for elderly or ill relatives. This entails building projects around milestones and deliverables rather than relying solely on frequent meetings and check-ins. Ultimately, workplaces benefit from such flexibility.
Lastly, it's essential to recognize that care work is one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy. The aging population, projected to reach over two billion people by 2030, requires extensive care and support. This reality presents an opportunity for innovation, new job creation, and the growth of new industries. In a world increasingly impacted by automation, caring for fellow humans remains a uniquely human capability. It's time to reevaluate and appreciate the significance of care work and the role it plays in our society's fabric.
출처 : 스피쿠스
기사 제목: 무급 간병 노동의 가치"
이 기사는 전 세계에서 매일 160억 시간에 달하는 무급 간병 노동에 대해 다룹니다. 이러한 노동에는 가족을 위한 요리, 청소, 자녀 돌보기, 노인 친척 지원 등 다양한 일상적인 가사 책임이 포함됩니다. 간병 노동은 다른 사람들을 지원하기 위해 수행되는 모든 활동을 포함하는 광범위한 용어입니다. COVID-19 팬데믹은 간병 노동의 중요성을 부각시켰습니다. 이제 우리는 간병 노동의 중요성을 인식하고, 이에 대한 시각을 재구성하며, 보다 수용적인 직장을 만들 기회를 가지고 있습니다. 간병인은 자신들이 얻은 기술을 인식하고, 고용주는 간병 노동에 대한 논의를 촉진하고 필요한 정책 변경을 이끌어내야 합니다. 마지막으로, 간병 노동은 우리 경제에서 가장 빠르게 성장하는 부문 중 하나임을 인식하는 것이 중요합니다.
단어학습
- Unpaid care work (무급 간병 노동): 보수를 받지 않고 타인을 돕기 위해 수행되는 활동.
- 예문: She spends much of her time on unpaid care work, looking after her elderly parents.
- 한국어: 그녀는 대부분의 시간을 노부모를 돌보는 무급 간병 노동에 할애한다.
- Pandemic (팬데믹): 전 세계적인 질병의 대유행.
- 예문: The pandemic has significantly increased the burden of care work.
- 한국어: 팬데믹은 간병 노동의 부담을 크게 증가시켰다.
- Flexibility (유연성): 상황에 맞추어 조정할 수 있는 능력.
- 예문: Flexibility in the workplace is crucial for caregivers to manage their responsibilities.
- 한국어: 직장에서의 유연성은 간병인이 그들의 책임을 관리하는 데 중요하다.
- Systemic change (체계적 변화): 조직, 정책, 또는 사회 전반의 근본적인 변화.
- 예문: Systemic change is needed to better support caregivers in the workplace.
- 한국어: 직장에서 간병인을 더 잘 지원하기 위해 체계적 변화가 필요하다.
- Caregiving (간병): 타인의 건강과 복지를 돌보는 행위.
- 예문: Caregiving often involves a range of tasks, from cooking to managing medications.
- 한국어: 간병은 요리에서부터 약 관리에 이르기까지 다양한 작업을 포함한다.
영어표현
표현 1: Essential labor (필수 노동)
- 의미: 사회의 기능과 복지를 위해 필수적인 노동.
- 예문: Care work is considered essential labor, vital for the functioning of society.
- 한국어: 간병 노동은 사회의 기능에 필수적인 노동으로 간주된다.
표현 2: Work-life balance (워크-라이프 밸런스)
- 의미: 직업적 책임과 개인 생활 사이의 균형.
- 예문: Achieving a good work-life balance is a challenge for many caregivers.
- 한국어: 많은 간병인들에게 좋은 워크-라이프 밸런스를 달성하는 것은 도전이다.