Management Consulting
Aon
Full Credential Description
In a recent study conducted by Check4Cancer, it was revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK employers lack policies to manage cancer diagnoses among employees. This gap in support is concerning, especially as 48% of line managers reported feeling unprepared to handle such situations. The study, which surveyed 500 HR professionals, highlighted that 61% of employers do not have policies to assist staff in returning to work after cancer treatment. Furthermore, 71% of respondents failed to provide cancer awareness information or health screening as a benefit, and 44% do not offer cancer screening services, with no plans to implement them. Mark Witte, Senior Consultant at Aon Employee Benefits, emphasized the financial implications of cancer as a significant health risk for UK employers. He noted that an adverse claims experience could drastically affect the funding necessary for future strategies. The study indicated that 52% of employers expect increasing cancer cases to have a medium or high impact on absenteeism, while 43% anticipate it will affect private medical insurance premiums. To address these challenges, a small percentage of employers have begun to implement supportive services for employees diagnosed with cancer, including free counseling (34%), extended leave policies (25%), and family support services (20%). Professor Gordon Wishart from Check4Cancer warned that relying solely on line managers to manage cancer diagnoses is insufficient, as cancer increasingly resembles a chronic illness requiring long-term care and support. Witte further noted that progressive cancer strategies should encompass all phases of care, from education and screening to treatment and post-diagnosis support. Employers are seeking assistance in quantifying the risks associated with cancer and in designing effective support services to enhance their workplace strategies.