The invisible burden: A qualitative study on the sandwich-generation’s work–life collision and corporate accountability

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the under‑researched intersection between workplace policies and the sandwich generation’s work‑life collision and associated mental health/productivity challenges among those simultaneously caring for children and aging parents. Using in‑depth interviews and organizational case study analysis, the study explores how current corporate well‑being initiatives often fail to address structural caregiving burdens. The study conceptualizes these experiences as a form of work‑life collision, highlighting how caregiver strain is shaped by organizational accountability systems (e.g., flexibility, leave, and disclosure practices). Thematic analysis reveals three critical gaps: (i) the mismatch between performative wellness programs and structural caregiving needs, (ii) corporate blind spots in recognizing non‑visible caregiver stressors, and (iii) uneven corporate accountability mechanisms that leave sandwich‑generation workers at heightened risk. Findings demonstrate that organizations that prioritize genuine flexibility (e.g., caregiver ERGs, subsidized eldercare) experience significantly lower turnover among mid‑career professionals. The study contributes to the HR policy and corporate accountability literatures by proposing a framework for caregiver‑inclusive workplace design and challenging the “ideal worker” paradigm that dominates corporate culture.