Employers should consider the following strategies to ensure an organizational environment that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by employees on a cancer journey:

Awareness through education. Proactive and continued employer-provided education is paramount. Through education, employees understand cancer and its profound impact, as well as how to support colleagues on a cancer journey. It also plays a pivotal role in imparting unbiased information, while emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings and early detection.
Benefits that address employee needs. Understanding employee needs is key for identifying and selecting benefits that will help them on their health journey. For some, this may mean a COE, but for others benefits that deliver fast access to answers about their cancer or risk of cancer and help them obtain the care they need in their community are equally as important.

Navigation, advocacy, and care coordination support. Each cancer journey is unique. Recognizing these differences is fundamental to creating a workplace where employees feel genuinely supported. No matter the journey, employees need and want help navigating their options—whether it's identifying a care team or determining the best course of treatment. An employer-provided advocate who can help demystify the options, find the most appropriate care—whether that be at a cancer COE or within their own community—signals a supportive workplace.
Flexible work arrangements. Providing accommodating work arrangements, like remote work, reduced or modified hours, or part-time work can provide the flexibility employees need while they receive treatment and recover. This accommodation also allows employees to continue to work while they manage their health. Working while on a cancer journey can support employees' mental and emotional health. Offering flexible work arrangements also supports employees who assume caregiving responsibilities for their family members diagnosed with cancer.
Mental health support and resources. The emotional overwhelm of living with cancer, financial stress, and fear of progression or recurrence can, and often do, loom large. Employees and their loved ones can benefit from mental health support and resources that help them cope and simultaneously cultivate a cancer-supportive workplace.
Return-to-work programming. Implement programs designed to help ease the transition back to the workplace. These programs help employees reacclimate when they are ready to go back to work, while they regain strength and confidence.

Employers executing these strategies support their employees and demonstrate genuine care, concern, and empathy.

Instant Insights /

Beyond the diagnosis: Fostering a cancer-supportive workplace

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You