"The feeling of normality that comes from work, when everything else in life is far from normal, cannot be overstated."
- Morgan Fitzsimons - Perci Health
L&G, in partnership with Perci Health, has announced the addition of a HR & line manager toolkit to its cancer awareness and nurse support services, which will be available with all the provider’s group protection products.
The toolkit aims to increase confidence and capability in supporting employees by giving HR and line managers guidance tailored to specific employee situations, such as if an employee is going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery themselves, or caring for someone who is.
The launch comes against a backdrop of what Sir Charlie Mayfield described as “a culture of fear” among employers, especially HR and line managers, in the Keep Britain Working report.
The report suggests that this fear creates distance between employers and employees, discouraging safe and early disclosure of illness, constructive conversations and support when it’s needed most.
The toolkit was developed using Perci Health’s multidisciplinary approach, including cancer nurses, a HR expert and digital engagement specialists. It is accessible via the employer toolkit page of L&G’s group protection website for employers.
Features include video appointments with a cancer nurse specialist or HR expert and digital resources via the portal, including training materials, case studies, and best practice for supporting employees affected by cancer.
The toolkit also features ready-to-use material for key cancer awareness days throughout the year, including posters and guides, to help employers tackle the taboo around cancer and build a more cancer-aware workplace culture, as well as a digital training toolkit covering how to support employees during treatment, manage ongoing absence or return to work, and handle sensitive conversations.
In addition, the resource includes guidance aimed at helping employers develop or refine workplace cancer policies, ensuring alignment with best practice in terms of inclusive practices and return-to-work frameworks.
The toolkit is designed to complement L&G’s employee-facing health and wellbeing services, which are accessible via the provider’s Spark platform. Services via Spark include cancer risk assessments and nurse support, EAP, virtual GP and online physiotherapy.
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"Research shows that 87% of people employed when diagnosed with cancer said it was important to continue working after their diagnosis," Morgan Fitzsimons, co-founder & CCO, Perci Health, said.
"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."
Vanessa Sallows, claims & clinical development director – group protection, L&G, added: "Improving HR and line manager confidence and capability is 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. It’s important to note that cancer is a protected condition under the Equality Act 2010. Therefore, employers must consider reasonable adjustments.
"Understanding what is reasonable will differ for every individual. 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."
