What do employees want in their healthcare plans?

​Employees want their employers to bring their health coverage up to date!
Every year everything becomes more ‘on-demand’ and healthcare is no different. We’ve seen a rise in the availability of doctors’ appointments through phone calls or video chats and technology has helped patients reduce the amount of time it takes to get attention to their health needs and concerns.
Cancer in the workplace is an increasingly important issue, but research shows managers lack awareness of appropriate health benefits and good practice when communicating with staff.
A good range of health and wellbeing benefits is a must for 2020 as holistic healthcare advances and employee health, both physical and mental, becomes more of a responsibility for employers.

Not only are our workers being diagnosed with cancer, but they are working with cancer. Health insurance companies have reported that the chronic disease is the biggest cause of long-term sickness claims, accounting for almost one-third in 2015.

Research findings on cancer in the workplace
Research was commissioned in February 2016 among 500 HR professionals to explore how employers are responding to the cancer epidemic, the plans being made, changes being introduced and views on the readiness of their organization.
The most common finding was the lack of planning among companies to manage the risks relating to cancer. Seventy-one per cent of the HR managers surveyed said they do not have any policies in place for communications and management of employees with a cancer diagnosis. This figure rises to 89% among small firms.

NONE OF THE COMPANIES HAD ALTERNATIVE OR HOLISTIC REFERENCES TO OFFER EMPLOYEES SEEKING SUPPORT OUTSIDE OF THE CONVENTIONAL MODEL. 

When it comes to cancer survivors returning to work, 61% of HR managers say they do not have any policies in place for communicating with and managing employees.

Extreme lack of awareness
Cancer in the workplace is an issue that is suffering from a lack of awareness and clarity. Access to a cancer coach, supportive programs and therapies, group support and caregiver support is becoming a must for physical and emotional well being among employees with cancer. 

It should not be a luxury to have information and resources to maintain and improve quality of life. It is a right. 

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