"Providing support and the right level of employee benefits to working caregivers is going to be an increasing need for employers over the coming years."
- Mark Stephenson, CEO of Reframe Cancer
New research commissioned by Reframe Cancer spotlights the challenges faced by those caring for a loved one with cancer while working.
Of the employed caregivers to cancer patients surveyed (442), 63% said the emotional impact of caring for someone with cancer has made it difficult to keep working. Over half (57%) felt entirely unprepared to care for their loved ones with cancer when they took on the role.
“Providing support and the right level of employee benefits to working caregivers is going to be an increasing need for employers over the coming years. It’s not hard to see why; cancer rates amongst under 50s have risen 24% in the last two decades [according to research from the American Society of Clinical Oncologists].
“Coupled with this, caregivers will often take on the role, whilst working, for twelve months. It’s a big commitment by any employee that takes this on, and one that should be fully supported by employers,” said Mark Stephenson, CEO of Reframe Cancer.
Concerningly, 48% of caregivers felt rushed to return to work after taking leave to care for loved ones with cancer – this rose to 53% amongst those aged 18-34 years old. Almost four in ten (36%) said they wanted to move jobs due to a lack of employer support during their time as a caregiver – 40% of 18-34-year-olds said they intend to find new employment.
Mark stressed that it’s “concerning that at this stage there are clear signs that caregivers feel unsupported or rushed into returning to work after taking leave, so much so that many want to move jobs as the whole experience has had such a negative impact on them.”
He said: “There are legal requirements that they must meet. At the same time, they will need to be aware that insurance and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) solutions don’t cover caregivers and specifically caregivers to cancer patients, where a degree of specialist assistance is vital.
“It’s important to evaluate how this growing cohort of employees can be supported in the workplace. In the long term, caregivers will no doubt also become advocates if they’re given the guidance and support they need whilst on their caring journey.”
Positively, 62% of respondents felt they could talk openly to their colleagues about caregiving, and 63% said their line manager showed concern or interest when informed about their caregiving responsibilities. More than six in ten (62%) said work was a good distraction.
Last month, Reframe Cancer launched its improved proposition to support caregivers of cancer patients.
Its new ‘Care for Carers’ service provides access to 1:1 consultations via chat and/or video with cancer support managers & cancer nurse specialists, digital bespoke caregiver support plans with clinically verified advice, and its discounted partner network to assist with specialist support.
