Generali UK is launching a cancer recovery support service from 1 January at no extra cost as an add-on to its group life assurance proposition.
All employees of its group life assurance policyholders – whether insured or not – will have access to the service.
It extends the current operation available to group income protection clients.
It is provided in partnership with Working To Wellbeing and offers access to specialist cancer support within six months of an individual’s cancer treatment ending, regardless of whether they are already working, or are looking to return to work.
Features include:
- An in-depth biopsychosocial assessment
- Specialist support from a work-health coach, registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), experienced in cancer, work and health
- Coaching sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, focused on health management with return to work in mind
- A return to work plan and assistance with implementation, where appropriate
- Employer liaison, where applicable
Dr Julie Denning, managing director and chartered health psychologist at Working To Wellbeing, also chairwoman of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association, said: “After working in partnership with Generali UK for many years, providing early intervention and rehabilitation support to the employees of their group income protection clients, it’s fantastic to be able to extend an element of such support to those covered by their group life proposition too.
“Our Cancer Support Service is tailored to individual need and, crucially, focuses on the whole person – the physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional components of cancer.
“We’re proud to say that on average three in four people we work with successfully sustain, or return to, work. The one in four that don’t are typically experiencing very challenging symptoms that would make a return to work inappropriate for them.”
Tracey Ward, head of business development and marketing at Generali UK Employee Benefits, added: “We’re excited to further evolve our partnership with Working To Wellbeing by extending this valuable service to many more employees via our group life proposition.
“We believe that people should receive specialist support to assist functional recovery and return to work wherever appropriate.
“For many people, returning to work when they feel ready is a big step in their recovery, helping them get back into a routine, feel a sense of normality and feel more financially secure.
“Naturally though, employers and line managers feel out of their depth having such conversations with employees. Our support can prove invaluable to all concerned.”