Caregiving and career: the support that makes a difference

Caregiving is one of the most selfless yet challenging roles a person can take on—whether it’s for children, aging parents, or loved ones in need. This National Caregivers Day (February 21), we want to shine a light on the dedicated caregivers within UiPath who balance their personal and professional lives with resilience and grace.

Through the Parents and Care-Takers (PaCT) People Unity Council (PUC), employees have found a support system that understands the unique challenges of caregiving while pursuing a career. We spoke to three of our colleagues who are part of PaCT to hear about their experiences, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the ways UiPath has supported them in this journey.

How has UiPath supported you in your journey as a caregiver?

Maureen Carcione, Human Resources Business Partner Generalist: UiPath is incredibly supportive by offering flexibility in the workday which has allowed me to manage my parenting responsibilities while still maintaining my professional commitments. My manager in particular, is always understanding and supportive of any family matters that arise. With two young daughters at home, it's been a game-changer having a company that's been so supportive of working life and home life.

Andreea Tomescu, Senior Marketing Community Manager: UiPath has made it easier to balance my career and my role as a parent and a caregiver. The flexibility to manage my schedule around my kids' needs, along with the understanding from colleagues and leadership, has been incredibly valuable. Knowing that I can be there for my children when they need me—without feeling guilty or like I'm falling behind at work—makes a huge difference.

Andreea Baloi, Learning Consulting Director: UiPath has been a game-changer in redefining how I view work and life integration. I used to think productivity was about hours logged in an office, but UiPath helped shift my mindset to focus on outcomes and results. As a parent or caregiver, this flexibility is invaluable as I don't feel the pressure of choosing between being present for my loved ones and fulfilling my responsibilities at work. Instead, I can prioritize what truly matters in the moment.

What challenges have you faced as a caregiver, and how have you navigated them with workplace support?

Maureen: Anyone who is a parent knows that there can be unpredictable demands on the daily responsibilities. Children get sick, they get hurt, and they can have a lot of activities at school during normal business hours (at least at the younger age). Time management can sometimes present tricky situations when trying to navigate professional demands and anything that pops up at home. The combination of the flexibility that UiPath provides, the understanding from my manager and team, as well as company resources, has really been instrumental in being an impactful employee and a present parent.

Andreea T.: Balancing work and parenting is never easy—there are days when an urgent work deadline and a sick child (or children) happen at the same time. One of the biggest challenges is feeling like I'm being pulled in two directions. What has helped is having a workplace that truly understands that life outside of work is just as important. Whether it's adjusting my schedule, working remotely, or just having a team that supports each other, those things make all the difference.

Andreea B.: Being a caregiver is emotionally and physically demanding, and the biggest challenge is often the unpredictability. What has made a difference for me at UiPath is knowing that I can step away when needed and return when I'm able. It's about being part of a culture of trust and empathy. I've never felt the need to apologize for taking care of my family, and that's a powerful shift from what many people experience elsewhere.

Why is it important to bring visibility to caregivers in the workplace?

Maureen: Bringing visibility to the workplace for parenting and caregiving helps foster an environment and culture of support and understanding. Knowing that even though we may not live in the same country, or have the same home dynamics, our colleagues are walking a similar path. It helps promote inclusion in that some parents or caregivers may feel guilty about their responsibilities at home and the potential to have it conflict with work responsibilities.

Andreea T.: Caregiving, whether for children, aging parents, or other loved ones, is a huge part of life that often goes unseen at work. Bringing visibility to it helps create a culture where people don't feel like they have to hide their challenges or choose between being a great parent and a great professional. It also helps drive real change—more flexible policies, better support systems, and a workplace where people can thrive in both roles.

Andreea B.: One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback we've received in our online meetings is how much people appreciate being seen for their whole selves—not just their job titles. That's why initiatives like PaCT exist. Caregiving is a part of life for so many of us, yet it often remains invisible because people fear it might be seen as a weakness or a distraction from work. By bringing visibility to caregivers, we're not just acknowledging their challenges—we're celebrating their resilience, their capacity for empathy, and the unique strengths they bring to the workplace.

Can you share how the PaCT People Unity Council has helped foster a supportive community for caregivers?

Maureen: PaCT provides a safe space in the monthly meeting for parents and caregivers across the globe to come together and have the opportunity to listen and learn, provide their own insights, and gain some outside perspective and knowledge that maybe they wouldn't have otherwise. PaCT also provides a little fun with the contests that are run around holidays and other events.

Andreea T.: The PaCT PUC has created a space where caregivers can share experiences, advice, and struggles without judgment. Just knowing that others understand what you're going through and having a safe space to share can be incredibly reassuring. Having a community like this makes me feel less alone in the juggling act.

Andreea B.: Sometimes, the most powerful thing is simply knowing that you are seen. The PaCT People Unity Council has created a space where caregivers don't feel isolated in their experiences. Through events, discussions, and advocacy, we've made it clear that UiPath values culture—not just in words, but in action. That sense of belonging and recognition goes a long way in making the workplace not just a place where we work, but a community where we belong.

What's one thing you wish more people understood about being a caregiver while balancing a career?

Maureen: I have always tried to subscribe to the "work/life harmony" rather than "work/life balance" I feel if I tried to balance it all, something would fall. So rather, I harmonize my two worlds day to day. I know that I make an effort to go above and beyond in both of my worlds so that both my work family and my home family feel supported and seen. Having PaCT and the support at UiPath allows me to feel successful both professionally and personally.

Andreea T.: That it's not about a lack of commitment to work—it's about constantly managing priorities. Caregivers are some of the most resourceful, adaptable, and efficient people we have to be. I wish more people recognized that being a caregiver doesn't mean doing less at work—it often means doing more in less time, with even stronger motivation to succeed.

Andreea B.: You truly don't know how much you'll need flexibility and support until you're in a caregiving situation yourself. And when it happens, it can be overwhelming. That's why these initiatives aren't just for those currently impacted—they exist for everyone because, at some point, most people will find themselves (or members of their teams) in this role. Having workplace support already in place makes all the difference. It means you don't have to scramble to negotiate flexibility in a moment of crisis. Instead, you can focus on what truly matters: taking care of your loved ones without feeling like your career is at risk.

Caregivers often give so much of themselves—yet their efforts can sometimes go unseen. This National Caregivers Day, we recognize and appreciate every employee who juggles both their career and their caregiving responsibilities with strength and dedication. To all caregivers: we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our People Unity Councils at UiPath.