Almost all (96%) of HR managers said their organisations do not have cancer specific policies, according to research by Working With Cancer.
The social enterprise, which surveyed 204 HR managers and produced the report in conjunction with the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), also found that just 18% of respondents reported collecting data on the number of employees with a cancer diagnosis.
More than three-quarters (78%) stated their line managers had not received training on how to support employees living with cancer, with 48% expressing concern about line managers saying the wrong thing, and 31% lacking confidence in their line managers’ ability to have difficult conversations.
Over half (54%) said they knew about the Access to Work scheme and 25% reported a lack of understanding of disability legislation.
Various employee benefits were offered to support those with cancer, with the most common including flexible work (93%), employee assistance programmes (88%) and referrals to occupational health (80%). Fewer offered access to physiotherapy (40%), health-related coaching (27%) and vocational rehabilitation (10%).
Barbara Wilson, founder and director of Working With Cancer, said: “Putting in place clear policies and practices for those diagnosed with cancer will provide essential clarity and significantly ease their transition back to work. The research has shown that although many organisations are demonstrating areas of good practice, too many still do not take into account the specific needs of the increasing number of employees working with cancer.
“Many do not yet provide adequate information, training and support to their HR and line management teams. This is not difficult to achieve, but it needs leadership and the will to make it happen.”
Dr Zofia Bajorek, senior research fellow at IES, added: “Although the research identified pockets of good practice, it also highlighted clear gaps in management capability and employee support. Well-managed work can have therapeutic benefits for employees affected by cancer, and it is crucial that organisations implement best practice to ensure employees can return to work environments in which they are able to thrive.”
