Workplace adjustments for cancer patients falls short

The research found that just 23% of UK line managers proactively explain their colleagues’ rights at work in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

While approximately 72% of line managers understand what reasonable adjustments entail, only 47% feel equipped to offer and support co-workers with cancer in making such adjustments, a percentage that drops to 40% for line managers under the age of 35.

The study found only a concerning 36% of workers who have or had cancer in the workplace were satisfied with the reasonable adjustments made to manage their health. This figure drops to 33% for women and 39% for men, with even lower satisfaction rates among older workers aged 55 and above.

Dr Julie Denning, managing director, chartered health psychologist at Working To Wellbeing and Chair of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association said, “The growing incidence of cancer in the workforce is a risk that employers cannot afford to ignore; or they will no doubt be faced with reduced productivity, low retention, poor morale and increased costs. As well as making business-sense to take the front-foot, employers have a legal obligation via the Equality Act 2010 to support employees with disabilities, including those diagnosed with cancer, ensuring reasonable adjustments are made for them at work.”

Among UK workers who have or had cancer only 29% were content with physical workplace modifications, 42% were satisfied with their options for flexible working, just 28% were content with the coaching provided and a mere 34% were satisfied with job redesign opportunities.

As the number of cancer survivors in the UK increases, with estimates suggesting that 3.5 million people may be living with cancer by 2025, the impact on workforce productivity and well-being becomes increasingly relevant. Employers need to take a more proactive role in accommodating employees with cancer and ensuring that reasonable adjustments are implemented in the workplace, both for legal compliance and the overall welfare of their workforce.

Denning said that over the decade Working To Wellbeing has been specialising in back to work rehabilitation it’s found that people with cancer want and need to be in work. “Our study has shown though that still only one in three have felt satisfied that they received reasonable adjustments to their job to manage their health, with few feeling satisfied with the level of workplace modifications, flexible working and coaching offered too.”

 “Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most difficult situations that anyone has to face, causing both physical and mental health symptoms. More than three in four of people we work with in our Cancer Work Support Service successfully sustained or returned to work. We believe that good work is an important part of the recovery pathway and is an outcome that we work towards.”