Generali UK has launched a new cancer support service for its group life clients, which will be available from the start of next year.
This service will be available at no additional cost, and can be accessed by all employees of a group life policyholder, whether they are individually insured or not.
The service is offered through Working To Wellbeing, and offers access to specialist cancer support and vocational rehabilitation coaching within six months of an individual’s cancer treatment ending. This is available regardless of whether the individual is already working, or are looking to return to work.
The launch of this service comes against the backdrop of over half of cancer patients saying their medical teams or occupational health professionals did not discuss their return to work. And only 22 per cent of HR departments told employees about their right to ask for reasonable adjustments and a phased return to work, after cancer treatment.
In addition, Working To Wellbeing’s research among line managers in the UK and working people who have, or have had, cancer, found that only just over one in three (36 per cent) employees who have/had cancer were satisfied that they received reasonable adjustments to their job to manage their health.
Under this new support services individuals will have access to:
- an in-depth bio-psychosocial assessment
- specialist support from a work/health coach who will be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and 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
Working to Wellbeing already offers early intervention and rehabilitation support services to Generali’s group income protection clients.
Working to Wellbeing managing director Dr Julie Denning, a chartered health psychologist, says: “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 says they were pleased to be able to extend the service offered to include group life clients. “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.”