INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Individuals faced with a medical diagnosis often experience a variety of feelings and emotions as they try to integrate their personal and work lives. Returning to work after being touched by a cancer diagnosis or treatment can be psychologically and physically challenging for many people. Today, The Workplace Transitions for People Touched by Cancer program provides companies of all sizes with an innovative, tested, and free resource to support a healthy and productive experience when an employee is facing cancer.
The web-enabled toolkit provides managers and human resources staff with actionable guidance that complements existing company policies and procedures. Managers will find important information and resources on topics such as privacy, disability, medical leave and insurance along with practical ideas for workplace adjustments and accommodations and suggestions for managing changes and challenges with sensitivity.
Additionally, the e-toolkit provides employers with further awareness on the law regarding employees with disabilities, which may include those who have been diagnosed with cancer. In fact, the timing of the e-toolkit’s release aligns with the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has focused on removing barriers and empowering people.
The e-toolkit was launched last year as a pilot with Anthem, Ernst Young LLP, Merck, North American Mission Board, Northrop Grumman, and Verizon. Reaction to the program is positive with the majority of managers who accessed the e-toolkit reporting that it is easy to access and helpful, especially when it comes to providing their employees with needed emotional support and the guidance to create a positive environment for their employees.
“For many people, returning to work after a cancer diagnosis is an integral part of their coping and recovery process, but this experience varies greatly and is as unique as their cancer journey. An employee’s manager can play an important role in the return to work process,” said Jose Tomas, chief human resources officer at Anthem, Inc. “Workplace Transitions for People Touched by Cancer provides managers with valuable tools and resources to help them stimulate a conversation with their employee so their quality of life is supported and they feel comfortable and empowered to bring their ‘whole self’ to work.”
The Workplace Transitions for People Touched by Cancer program is a collaboration among Anthem, Cancer and Careers, Pfizer, SEDL, an affiliate of American Institutes for Research (AIR), and the US Business Leadership Network.
To access the free resource please visit: www.workplacetransitions.org
About Anthem, Inc.
Anthem is working to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. Our health plan companies deliver quality products and services that give their members access to the care they need. With nearly 71 million people served by its affiliated companies, including more than 38 million enrolled in its family of health plans, Anthem is one of the nation’s leading health benefits companies. For more information about Anthem’s family of companies, please visit www.antheminc.com/companies.
