Clear gaps in employer support for employees affected by cancer
Tue, October 29, 2024
Despite the growing number of employees managing cancer diagnoses, UK workplaces are falling short in offering adequate support, according to recent findings. Earlier this year, we hosted a webinar in partnership with Macmillan Cancer to shed light on the crucial role HR plays in this space. Leanne Boddy, Associate Director at Macmillan Davies, explains the findings and highlights areas where HR can help provide better support.
According to the Bevan Report on Improving Employer Support for Those Working With Cancer, many businesses lack the resources and training necessary to effectively support employees with long-term health conditions like cancer. The report, produced with the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), surveyed over 200 HR professionals and revealed stark findings:
- 96% of respondents reported their companies lack cancer-specific policies.
- Only 18% collect data on employees with a cancer diagnosis.
- 78% of line managers haven’t received adequate training on how to support these employees.
Concerns were raised about the ability of managers to handle sensitive situations. Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) worried that managers would say the wrong thing, and 31% lacked confidence in their ability to navigate difficult conversations about cancer and health challenges.
While some organisations offer supportive employee benefits—such as flexible work (93%), employee assistance programs (88%), and occupational health referrals (80%)—there are inconsistencies in how these resources are communicated. As a result, employees may face delays in accessing timely support. Moreover, benefits like physiotherapy (40%), health-related coaching (27%), and vocational rehabilitation (10%) are limited, though these can significantly help employees transition back to work post-treatment.
A growing concern
“Nearly a million working-age individuals in the UK living with cancer,” says Leanne. “Businesses aren’t doing enough to prepare and support their staff and workplaces. Implementing clear policies and practices can ease employees’ return to work and promote a healthier work environment.”
Additionally, there is a significant gap in awareness of existing support systems. Only 54% of respondents were familiar with the Access to Work scheme, and just 25% fully understood disability legislation, highlighting the need for better education and training.
The way forward
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, emphasised the importance of open conversations between employers and employees, ensuring that those living with cancer are aware of the support available both from the government and their workplaces.
How can HR help?
- Flexible work options: Offer flexible hours, remote work, reduced workload, and clear medical leave policies.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Provide access to counselling, financial, and legal support.
- Team education & manager training: Educate staff on empathy and train managers to support employees with health challenges.
- Health & wellness resources: Ensure comprehensive health insurance, and offer wellness programs focused on physical and mental health.
- Open communication: Encourage regular, confidential check-ins between employees and managers.
- Return-to-work plans: Allow gradual returns with reasonable accommodations.
- Support networks: Create support groups and peer mentorship for affected employees.
- Compassionate culture: Foster empathy, normalise health conversations, and reduce stigma around serious illnesses.
Partnering with Macmillan Cancer
We are proud to partner with the amazing team at Macmillan Cancer Support at Work team who offer training, guidance and resources to help managers and HR professionals feel confident and equipped to support employees affected by cancer.
Helping you support employees affected by cancer
We're proud to partner with Macmillan Cancer Support, whose ‘Macmillan at Work’ program provides training, guidance, and resources to equip managers and HR teams to support employees affected by cancer. Download the Macmillan Cancer Support Leaflet for more information.
Join Macmillan at Work: Leverage Macmillan’s expertise to create a supportive workplace for employees living with cancer—join today!
