)
enhancing team support in UK care homes: report
Alsico’s latest research uncovers the realities of working in care today and reveals practical opportunities to improve satisfaction, engagement and retention.
who are caring for the carers?
Care workers across the UK dedicate their lives to improving the wellbeing of others, yet evidence suggests many don’t receive the same level of support in return.
In June 2025, alsico commissioned an independent survey of more than 400 UK care workers, developed in partnership with Care England, to better understand how supported they feel – physically, emotionally, and professionally. The findings shed light on everyday pressures as well as practical opportunities to improve satisfaction and retention across the sector.
Care England
in partnership with Care England
This research was developed in partnership with Care England to ensure the findings reflect the real, everyday experiences of the UK care workforce. Building on collaborative work throughout the past year — including the Menopause Matters initiative — this report brings together frontline insight, sector expertise and practical recommendations for meaningful, achievable change.
What stands out is how small but meaningful changes – from better training and wellbeing support to being properly equipped for the job, including uniforms that truly support comfort and confidence – can have a big impact on morale, retention and quality of care.
Professor Martin Green OBE – Chief Executive, Care England
"The recommendations shared can inspire change and our data can support decisions – without enormous contributions of time and investment that these organisations simply do not have."
Charlotte Clarke – Managing Director, alsico UK
read the report today
why we did this report
The care sector continues to face a series of economic challenges with a direct impact on operations. Care England reports a staggering £2.2 billion shortfall in residential care funding.
Whilst the broader debate around solving these issues continues, one factor remains clear – the growth and success of care provision in the UK depend on retaining and engaging the workforce. Supporting care professionals to feel valued, capable, and satisfied in their roles must therefore be a key priority.
At alsico, the care sector has long been a focus.
Working closely with Care England throughout the past year has strengthened our understanding of the everyday realities teams face.
Through our partnerships with care organisations – from supplying uniforms to hosting conversations and events with professionals across all levels – we’ve gained valuable insight into the challenges they face every day. To build on this understanding, we commissioned this report, in hope of helping the sector to better direct its focus and support where it’s needed most.
what’s inside the report?
- Exclusive insights from 410 UK care workers on how supported they feel at work
- Carers’ honest opinions on uniforms, wellbeing and workplace support
- The biggest barriers to comfort, motivation and retention in the care industry
Expert input from UK care leaders and industry specialists
Practical, actionable recommendations for providers ready to build a more supportive, sustainable workforce
three key ways to support carers
The results of the research highlight 3 core areas where support can make a considerable difference to carers in the UK.
the body
supporting the physical demands of care work through injury prevention, better training, and uniform design.
the mind
encouraging emotional support, motivation and career development to shape moral and retention.
through change
recognising the importance of practical menopause support and inclusive workwear design for all care workers.
meet the experts involved in the report
Angela Boxall
CEO at Majesticare and Chair of Care England
Buffy Spark
Head of Operational Learning and Development at HC-One
Gail Manley
Corporate Services Director at Abbeyfield
Claire Leake
Chief People Officer at National Care Group
Sara Catanzaro
Design Manager at alsico UK
Professor Angus Wallace
Executive Director of the UKDHC
who is this report for?
This report is essential reading for anyone responsible for supporting, managing or representing people within the care sector, including:
- Senior leaders and operations directors in care organisations
- HR and people professionals shaping workforce strategy
- Care home managers and team leaders overseeing daily staff wellbeing
- Procurement, health and safety, and uniform coordinators responsible for what teams wear
- Industry advocates, associations, and policymakers driving sector-wide improvement
If your role involves influencing workplace culture, staff wellbeing or the tools and uniforms your teams rely on – this report is for you.
"These are really important statistics. Nobody wants to be uncomfortable at work, and this is worse when you don’t feel heard or that you can change the situation."
Angela Boxall – CEO at Majesticare and Chair of Care England
who we are?
Alsico are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of workwear and protective clothing. Part of the international alsico group, we design, develop, and produce garments that balance performance, comfort, and sustainability across a range of sectors – including healthcare, care, and industry.
With decades of expertise and a strong focus on innovation, we combine technical fabric development with wearer insight to create uniforms that truly support the people who wear them. From our UK manufacturing sites to our global design and testing facilities, everything we do is driven by one purpose – to protect and empower those who dedicate their work to others.
our work in the care sector
At alsico, we’re dedicated to supporting the care sector through the ongoing innovation and development of uniforms that put comfort, functionality, and wellbeing first – along with our industry-focused research.
As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of care home uniforms and healthcare workwear, we go beyond supply – researching, developing and testing every fabric and design through the alsico academy to ensure they perform in real care environments. Innovation, sustainability, and the wearer experience are at the heart of everything we do.
support powered by research
What’s more, through our care sector research and ongoing, focused menopause matters work, we’ve identified three key areas where meaningful change can make a real difference: communication, workplace policy, and uniform design.
By focusing on these, we aim to help create care environments where every worker feels understood, supported, and equipped to perform at their best. Together with care organisations, we’re driving a culture of awareness and action – empowering both carers and employers with the knowledge and tools to support their teams with confidence.
explore our research in the care sector
what else have we been working on?
Through collaboration, industry events, and expert-led discussions, we’ve been working to raise awareness, share best practices, and explore practical solutions for support in the care sector.
Menopause in the care sector report
We wrote a report exploring the experiences of 110 UK carers navigating menopause symptoms at work, uncovering what they really think about the support available in their workplaces. As part of a wider upcoming industry report, it reveals the three biggest barriers to better menopause support and features expert commentary from menopause advocates, care leaders, and alsico’s own design team - all offering practical, actionable recommendations for employers ready to make positive change.
Menopause Seminar at the Care England Conference
Presented by Diane Danzebrink, this seminar at the Care England Conference explored key challenges in menopause support within the care sector.
Attendees gained insights into practical workplace solutions, the latest research, and upcoming initiatives designed to enhance support for care professionals experiencing menopause.
Menopause matters event (care show)
Held in collaboration with Care England, this session brought together carers, industry leaders, and experts to explore practical workplace solutions for menopause support.
Menopause in the care sector webinar
A panel of care sector professionals, HR experts, and menopause advocates discussed best practices, policy development, and real-life experiences in workplace menopause support.
Exploring the role of uniforms
Uniforms are often overlooked when discussing menopause in the workplace, yet they can play a significant role in comfort for those experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes.
experience matters
When only the best will do, leading care providers choose alsico for our proven scale, end-to-end bespoke capabilities, and continuous innovation.
Trusted by the largest healthcare organisations in the UK, including the NHS.
