Every year in Belgium, more than 26,000 people of working age get diagnosed with cancer - that's 73 people a day. Given these figures, it's highly likely that your company will be affected by cancer in the workplace at some point. How can you, as an employer, help your staff members while they're going through this ordeal? Having supported the Foundation against cancer for over 12 years, AG has a few tips and tricks to share with you.
In this article:
Returning to work can help the recovery journey
For an employee who has had cancer or is still undergoing treatment, going back to work is an important step. It's a symbol of restored normality, inner strength and determination. The person gets back their social connections, financial security and control over their life.
Although returning to work is beneficial to recovery, there are many obstacles that can get in the way. Treatment side effects, such as fatigue and pain, can make it difficult to re-enter the workplace. A less than supportive work environment can also be a significant barrier. According to a study, close to 7 out of 10 people who have (had) cancer felt that their employer was not supportive or flexible enough. Out of these respondents, 3 out of 4 reported a lack of understanding.
RECONNECT, for a supportive return to work every step of the way
"As an employer, you can help ease people back into work," explained Bernard Buntinx, Corporate Fundraising Manager at the Foundation. "The free online platform RECONNECT, provided by the Foundation against cancer, is designed for your HR and managerial staff. It offers tools to understand and respond to the needs of your employees affected by the disease."
What can you find on this platform?
RECONNECT provides examples of real-life situations and explains the best way to deal with them. It includes:
- videos, testimonials and exercises
- a list of specialised coaches
- a set of downloadable resources for training and information.
Billy Valkenaers, Return-to-Work Partner at AG, shared his experience with RECONNECT for colleagues on long-term sick leave. "It's important to understand what employees with cancer are going through. Every situation is different and every person reacts differently. Some are open, others prefer not to talk about it. In all cases, managers need to show understanding and flexibility."
"The platform provides invaluable support and advice on how we, as employers, can support people with the disease," added Billy. "It helps to break the taboo and offers practical exercises to facilitate discussion, both with the person in question and with colleagues. One of the strengths of the platform is that many of the techniques it offers can, to a certain extent, be applied to other illnesses and conditions."
The importance of a financial safety net
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, but also financially. The costs associated with the disease can be very high. According to one study, the highest average cost among the selected types of cancer was EUR 15,867 per patient in 2018.
Despite the social security system in Belgium, patients often have to cover a share of their medical expenses themselves, precisely at a time when their income may be lower due to extended time off from work. Another worrying factor: a survey revealed that almost 80% of people with a cancer diagnosis feel that their social welfare benefits fall short of their needs.
How can you help your staff members reduce their out-of-pocket medical expenses?
No big secret here: a comprehensive healthcare plan can considerably ease the financial burden on patients and their families. That's why AG's hospitalisation insurance covers your staff members year-round for the treatment of 30 critical illnesses, including cancer, even if no hospital stay is required. This includes medical fees, diagnostic testing, treatments and prescription medication.
In Belgium, statutory occupational incapacity benefits are rather meagre, highlighting the importance of having income protection coverage. This type of insurance bridges the gap by paying out a replacement income. This way, your employees on long-term incapacity leave can maintain their standard of living and concentrate fully on their treatment and recovery, without worrying about financial difficulties.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
Many types of cancers can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as smoking and obesity. It's often easier and cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it. That's why there are so many campaigns with this message. One such initiative is the Buddy Deal, created by the Foundation against cancer.
Buddy Deal: one month to say farewell to cigarettes
These days, it's hard to imagine a time when smoking at work was commonplace. Fortunately, those days are over. But smoking remains a major cause of disease, responsible for 19% of cancers.
Encourage your employees to give up smoking in May, with the support of a "Buddy". "Nearly 17,000 people participated in last year's edition," pointed out Bernard. "The benefits of this approach: giving up smoking for a month increases the chances of long-term success fivefold. So it's definitely worth a try!"
Questions?
Contact AG to find out how we can help you support your employees in challenging times.