Legal & General (L&G) and Perci Health have launched a toolkit aimed at helping employers improve how they support their employees who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The toolkit has been designed to boost confidence and expertise among HR and line managers in supporting employees with cancer.
It has been added to the provider’s cancer awareness and nurse support services. This will be available with all the provider’s group protection products.
Scenarios covered involve an employee going through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, or caring for someone who is.
The toolkit has been launched at a time when Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working report said that “a culture of fear” among employers is a barrier to improved health and wellbeing.
This resource combines direct access to expert and tailored guidance, alongside best practice and training for HR and line managers.
The toolkit was developed using Perci Health’s multi-disciplinary approach, including cancer nurses, a HR expert and digital engagement specialists. L&G has worked with Perci Health since October, when it added the company to its cancer support service.
Better employee outcomes
Morgan Fitzsimons, co-founder and chief customer officer at Perci Health, said research shows that 87% of people living with cancer believe it is important to continue working after their diagnosis.
“The feeling of normality that comes from work, when everything else in life is far from normal, cannot be overstated.
“But all too often, the conversations that matter – with HR and line managers – aren’t happening; not because employers don’t care, rather because they’re afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.
“It’s for all these reasons, that we’ve designed and launched this toolkit in partnership with L&G,” she added.
Vanessa Sallows, claims and clinical development director of group protection at L&G, said: “Improving HR and line manager confidence and capability are vital in supporting better employee outcomes.
“Not least because in many smaller companies, the role of HR is being taken on by a manager, alongside their day job.
“Regardless of whether an organisation has dedicated HR support though, this can be a complex area.”
She added that employers need to note that cancer is a protected condition under the Equality Act 2010, so they must consider making reasonable adjustments.
“Understanding what is reasonable will differ for every individual,” Sallows said.
“In other words, the access to clinical expertise – and associated practical guidance – afforded by our new toolkit, is likely to prove invaluable for employers of all shapes and sizes.”