Cancer is a diagnosis that as many as half of us will face in our lifetimes. Not only that, many cancers are now treated as chronic diseases, while there are more cancer survivors living in Ireland than ever before.
People working in cancer support services believe it’s time employers began to formally recognise the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on an employee’s life. Purple House Cancer Support has now drafted a specific framework for employers of all sizes that will enable them to support their employees through their cancer journey and help them to continue on their career path.
Conor O’Leary, director of operations at Purple House, notes that the recently launched Cancer Support in the Workplace Policy, supported by Great Place to Work, has been co-created with people who have had cancer, “and have personally experienced the need for support in the workplace”.
“Our hope is that employers all across Ireland will adopt the policy,” says O’Leary. “We often have HR managers asking us how they can support their employees who’ve had a cancer diagnosis and this new framework aims to answer those questions. It is designed to enable the employer and the HR directors to be able to say, ‘we have your back and we are supporting you via these guidelines’.”
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The policy outlines a number of different areas where employers can offer practical support, provide access to counselling via Purple House and direct employees to relevant support groups. It also outlines financial advice, such as household budgets and mortgage assistance. “We are educating employers on what it’s like to be a person going through cancer,” he says. “It could be something very simple - they could reduce their work burden or be extra flexible during that period on active treatment.”
Indeed, the policy spans the entire cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. O’Leary says people are finally recognising that the challenges of a cancer diagnosis do not stop just because treatment has concluded.
“There are more cancer survivors in Ireland than ever before and many of those are going back to work after their cancer treatment or indeed while they are still on treatment,” O’Leary says. “It’s about creating a healthy workplace but also that flexible approach to support the needs of a cancer patient, either during or after treatment.”
Research carried out by Purple House has shown that 88 per cent of Irish people believe that having a formal policy to support those with a cancer diagnosis is important but just one in five companies have such a policy in place.
“There is no reason why every company in the country can’t do this,” O’Leary asserts. “Even if you are a company with just one or two employees, you can still implement these guidelines. It’s simply about inclusivity and a compassionate environment so that the employee feels valued and empowered during one of the most challenging times of their lives.” Companies can tailor the guidance to accommodate the needs of their own workplace, he adds.
The same research found that seven out of 10 people feel that a cancer diagnosis will negatively impact someone’s career, O’Leary points out. “This is concerning because it means that stigma persists. What we want to do is change that and take away that fear and stigma and discrimination, and the job insecurity that cancer patients can often face. It’s stressful enough with cancer trying to get through it, the stress of worrying if you will keep your job is an added stress that doesn’t need to be there.”
‘People shouldn’t feel penalised at work‘
Nicola Gillen is a breast cancer survivor who went through a year of treatment. Chief of staff with Core, the marketing communications company, she helped devise the new policy alongside Purple House and cancer survivors Katie Boylan and Jacinta McHenry.“‘”
“A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, no matter the situation, she says. “Knowing my employer had my back made all the difference. It meant I could focus on my treatment and recovery without stressing about work. Having a supportive company like Core has let me be open about my circumstances without feeling judged. It’s also helped me ease back into work at my own pace while continuing to grow in my role.”
The goal is to disseminate the new guidance widely across Irish organisations of all shapes and sizes. Purple House’s strong relationship with Great Place to Work means it will be shared across their large network of businesses.
“People shouldn’t feel penalised at work because they have gotten a cancer diagnosis. Creating a workplace that supports employees through cancer ensures the individual can focus on their health while maintaining dignity and career stability.”
