Half of adults would feel uncomfortable disclosing a diagnosis to an employer, although 88% of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important.
This is according to the results of research this week from marketing communications company, Core, in collaboration with Purple House Cancer Support. It comes at the launch of ‘Cancer Care at Work’ in Dublin which will enable employers and businesses to create a policy and support system for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are supporting a loved one undergoing treatment.
The event featured powerful insights and conversations around the lived experience of cancer in the workplace, the importance of formal policies, and how open, clear communication can empower both employers and employees.
Two engaging panel discussions, moderated by Irish entrepreneur and businessman Bobby Kerry, also host of ‘Down to Business’ on Newstalk, voiced diverse perspectives on this topic. Bobby also shared his own personal experience of being diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
The research, which gathered insights from 1,000 members of the general public, 85 employers across various sectors in Ireland, and employees who have experienced cancer in the workplace, also revealed that over seven in ten (73%) believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression with over half (57%) of employees who have had cancer confirming this.
The research also shows that 91% of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, yet fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place. Two thirds (67%) also said that the existence of a cancer support policy would influence their decision to work at a company.
While the main concerns for those who had / have cancer and are working, centred around financial concerns, job security and recovery.
Companies can learn more or sign up at https://www.cancercareatwork.com/
