When it came to her workplace experience while undergoing cancer treatment, Lisa Redmond lived in what she admits was a “fairy-tale world.”
Not only does she work for a large public employer, the Insurance Corp. of British Columbia, she’s its manager of pension and benefits. So she was in a good position to take advantage of the many supports offered by her employer.
Not only could she work from home in the early stages, she could also go to medical appointments without having to take time off. And with her wellness team encouraging her to focus on treatment rather than work, she says “work was adjusting to me rather than me adjusting to work.” When her hair fell out, she was able to get a wig reimbursed through her benefits plan.
Read: 2016 Employers Cancer Care Summit coverage
Redmond shared her story during Benefits Canada’s Employers Cancer Care Summit in late February. While she’s a manager in the human resources field, she spoke largely from the perspective of an employee undergoing cancer treatment. As she noted, she received a lot of support as she endured a difficult treatment regimen.
The good news is that many other employees also feel their employers were supportive during their cancer treatment. According to Benefits Canada research presented at the conference, 71 per cent of respondents to a survey of cancer survivors said their employer was helpful as they dealt with the disease.
In addition, 63 per cent of respondents felt their workplace benefits plan played a significant role in managing their cancer (for more details on the research results, see page 50 in this month’s issue).
Many employers, then, are doing a good job of supporting their employees. There are gaps, however. Several participants cited coverage declines for various drugs, and 25 per cent of them reported paying more than $2,500 in out-of-pocket costs during treatment. And as Redmond noted, it’s not just about drugs. Employees also need their employers to be sympathetic when they have to take leaves from work and to assist them when it’s time to return.
Read: What’s the impact of emerging cancer treatments on benefits plans?
In Redmond’s case, she was able to use a tool that assessed her ability to go back to work. Her family also had support, said Redmond, who called her treatment plan “to the book.” Her employer even facilitates mammograms in the workplace.
But even for someone like her who’s in a good position, Redmond feels there are things that could be better. She’d like to see, for example, a map or diagram showing the various programs that could help someone navigate the maze of care.
It’s not all about benefits that cost money, then. And given the growing concern about cancer, it’s clear employers will have to rise to the challenge of finding better ways to support their employees with the disease on a financial, emotional and psychological level.
Read: How to support staff with cancer on World Cancer Day
Get a PDF of this article.
Glenn Kauth is the editor of Benefits Canada: glenn.kauth@rci.rogers.com.