GROWING THE VALUE OF WORKPLACE CANCER INITIATIVES Improving the health of families, friends and communities
There are real benefits in reaching out to employees’ families and communities on ways to prevent cancer and detect it early.1 These initiatives can play a big part in helping people to change their habits and make healthier choices, because people who feel supported are far more likely to sustain positive habits for a lifetime of health and wellbeing. For family members and friends of a person living with cancer, coping with the challenges of treatment and recovery has farreaching effects. They are often the primary source of emotional and practical support and at the same time must deal with the impact of taking on the role of a cancer caregiver in their own lives, including their ability to fulfill their work obligations.2 Many cancer caregivers and family members are in paid employment, and this dual role of caring and working can place significant stress and strain on an employee. Although an increasing number of companies recognise the importance of extending employee health and wellbeing programmes to families and local communities,3 very often there is a need for improved communication and support so that workplace cancer initiatives deliver value for everyone. There are multiple benefits for businesses in taking a more holistic approach to improve awareness around cancer prevention and early detection, and to support families and caregivers to cope with the full impact of the disease.4 As well as avoiding sickness-related absence and sustaining a resilient, productive workforce today, it will help to build a healthier workforce for the future.
“ With over 3 billion people in employment, if all businesses engaged their own employees in improving their health, the impact would be enormous. Taking a holistic approach to employee health will have a ripple effect upon families and the wider community so that together businesses could act as a catalyst for positive, longlasting change on the whole of society. Cary Adams, Chief Executive Officer, UICC