More than a quarter (27%) of employers surveyed are concerned about the issue of cancer with their older staff, according to research conducted by Grid and released for World Cancer Day (4 February).
The research, conducted in January, showed slightly less than a quarter (23%) of employers have the same concern for their Gen X staff (born between 1965 and 1980), 13% for Millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) employees, and 11% for their youngest Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) workforce.
The employer research was undertaken by Opinium from 7 to 15 January 2025 among 500 HR decision-makers at UK businesses, while employee research was undertaken by Opinium from 7 to 10 January 2025 among 1,250 employed adults.
Grid also found that this concern about serious ill-health including cancer, is echoed by 18% of all staff themselves (versus 12% in 2024), rising to 27% of those over 55 (also up from 19% in 2024).
Concerns of employees diagnosed with cancer and their employers Grid’s findings are corroborated by other research.
Grid said 71% of people working whilst having cancer said they felt their HR team wasn’t sufficiently prepared to help them through their health crisis, and 35% said they were left feeling isolated at work during their cancer experience.
Research also shows that seven in 10 (69%) employers are concerned about the potential financial impact cancer could have on organisational costs, and more than half (54%) have recently noticed an increase in employees affected by cancer within their workforce.
Grid said support for the condition itself may include access to specialist cancer care pathways, oncologists, second medical opinion services and virtual GPs, preparation for consultations and navigating the NHS.
On diagnosis or if unable to work, support can provide a fiscal safety net to help people meet their financial commitments.
Grid said fast-track access to mental health support is often also required, as a diagnosis can lead to depression or anxiety, and practical support should not be overlooked to help with changes in physical appearance or adjustments in the home.
All of the above support, which can be accessed via group risk benefits (employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness) can help an employee manage their immediate situation and expedite a return to work if that is their desired pathway.
Many advisers will also support HR departments and line managers to help their staff, as well as join the dots between the individual, the employer and the insurer.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Grid, said: “No matter how long an employee has had their worries or been going through tests, being given a formal cancer diagnosis is completely blindsiding.
“Therefore, employee cancer support needs to be both flexible and comprehensive to help the individual, and to also support their employer in helping staff, acting sensitively and making appropriate adjustments.”
Moxham said: “All employers need to ask themselves how they can best support a member of staff during a cancer diagnosis.
“With diagnoses at an all-time high and so many support options available, there is no reason not to be prepared.”