Meet Sarah – a powerhouse of positivity, a devoted mum, and a proud Bupa employee. Her days are a whirlwind of physio sessions, Teams calls, and the occasional game of bingo. 

Her daughter, Jessica, requires round-the-clock care. From early morning nebulisers to ensuring breakfast doesn’t turn into a milk-splattered adventure, Sarah’s life is full of love, responsibility, and resilience. 

“Jessica used to be this whirlwind of energy,” Sarah reflects. “But two years ago, she changed. She became quieter, more withdrawn. It felt like I was grieving the loss of the spark she once had, even though she’s still here.” 

That emotional shift was profound – but so was Sarah’s determination. She’s found strength in her routines, in her family, and in the unwavering support of her team at Bupa. “I LOVE working here,” she says. “It’s where I get to be Sarah – not just mum or partner. I feel free to be me, and that gives me the drive to give my all.” 

Her typical day starts at 5 a.m. – if she’s lucky enough to have had sleep, thanks to the tag-team night shifts with Jessica’s dad. After morning care routines, Sarah logs on by 7:30 a.m., catching up on emails before Jessica wakes. “If I don’t, she’ll try to make breakfast herself – and let’s just say milk ends up everywhere!” 

Thanks to a supportive manager and a team that embraces Jessica’s occasional cameo appearances on Teams calls, Sarah feels empowered to balance both worlds. “When Jessica had unexpected surgery recently, I panicked – I’d only booked the morning off. But my manager, Louise, was amazing. She just said, ‘Take the time you need.’ That kind of support is priceless.” 

Sarah’s toolkit for balance includes therapy through Bupa’s Employee Assistance Programme, the  Be You at Clinics  initiative, and the Carer e-guide – an internal resource packed with practical advice for employees navigating caregiving. “It’s been such a helpful resource, not just for me but for others I’ve shared it with too,” she says. 

And when things feel overwhelming? “I clean. I decorate. I make lists – lists of lists!  And we always plan fun things – concerts, arts and crafts, even a yearly trip to Spain. Jessica loves it, and it gives me such a boost.” 

Her advice to fellow carers? “Talk to your manager. Build that support network at work – it’s just as important as the one at home.’’ 

Bupa Benefits

To find out more about what other benefits we offer our people, visit our benefits page.