November is National Caregivers Month. We celebrate the heartfelt contributions of our associates who are Caregivers as well as those who are members of Humana’s Caregivers Network Resource Group (NRG). Our Caregivers NRG is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that will serve as a voice to guide and shape Humana’s understanding and efforts related to the health of Caregiver associates and Humana members. The Caregivers NRG will be celebrating their 10-year anniversary in December 2021, and we are appreciative of the work they have done to raise awareness and educate communities about caregiving. 💚
Meet Cindy Ferree, Senior Strategy & Program Development Professional and Member Experience Lead for Caregivers NRG
What is your ‘why’? (I.e., what motivates you?)
I am inspired by all the amazing associate caregivers I interact with each day as a member of our Caregivers Network Resource Group. The resilience and positivity I see each day is so motivating. My leader shares a quote that I love- “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” I see that in action in the best way every day through our associate caregivers-they rise to the challenges they are dealt so beautifully.
What is your advice to professionals who are also caregivers?
It’s so hard to juggle “all the things,” but take it day-by-day and just focus on always doing your best each day. Some days your best is better than others. But if you give everything you can each day, then you know you’ve done all you can do, even if that looks a little different from day-to-day.
What is your advice for people to become better allies to caregivers?
Know that we are all either going to be a caregiver or need a caregiver at some point in our lifetime. So even if you’re not facing those challenges today, the odds that you will be touched by them at some point are almost inevitable. So, embrace compassion and understanding-you will want to be treated the same way when it’s your turn.
What is one thing people misunderstand about caregivers?
That they don’t have time to fully meet the needs of their jobs because they are distracted by personal matters. Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” This is so incredibly true. The busier we are, the better we become at managing our time. Caregivers are masters at multitasking and finding efficiencies. They make excellent employees.
What can corporations do to foster a more inclusive culture for those who are working AND caregivers?
Allow for flexible work hours and work location wherever possible.
How does Humana support their caregiver associates?
Humana is absolutely wonderful to caregivers. Not only do they support associate caregivers through the Caregivers Network Resource Group, but they also provide paid Caregiver leave, and amazing caregiver benefits through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offerings. They are also very supportive of flexible work environments wherever possible.