When a family member is ill or needs extra assistance temporarily, we often cannot help but have that interfere with our workday. Daily productivity suffers as we shift our focuses back and forth from business to personal issues; or we may not be able to come into work at all.

I recently found out about the Denver-based Work Options Group, which provides employers with a solution. Monica Perin, in the Houston Business Journal, explains that this company that has recently helped such Houston heavy-weights as Rice University and the Texas Medical Center find solutions to these employee needs. For Baylor University, the company, offers employees 80 hours a year of low-cost, back-up care for children or adult dependents so employees don’t have to miss work or worry about the care of their loved ones.

Backup care is now available through 14 per cent of employers. It is not just child care but actually is used more often for adult and elder care. Having an employee option that offers professional, skilled care at a reduced price greatly benefits both morale and productivity. Knowing that professionals are caring for our loved ones will ease our minds and help us to completely focus on the tasks at hand.

While this company’s options may not be available to you, you can use the concept. Setting up a plan that provides temporary care for your family when they are ill will greatly reduce your stress and increase your productivity. Even if your family is completely healthy right now, it can behoove you to explore what care options are available. Start by finding answers to the following questions:

Being ready for an emergency situation now will reduce the strain and stress of conflicting priorities in the future.