Zarah Choudhary27% of employers cite living with serious ill-health, including cancer, as a concern for their Baby Boomer staff, according to research conducted during January 2025 by GRiD.
The research, released for World Cancer Day (4th February 2025), found that 23% of employers have the same concern for Gen X staff, 13% for Millennial employees, and 11% for their Gen Z workforce.
The industry body for the group risk sector also found that this concern about serious ill-health including cancer was echoed by 18% of all staff themselves (versus 12% in 2024), rising to 27% of those over 55 (up from 19% in 2024).
GRiD’s findings were corroborated by other research, as 71% of people working while having cancer said they felt their HR team was not sufficiently prepared to help them through their health crisis, and 35% said they were left feeling isolated at work during their cancer experience.
Seven in 10 (69%) employers were concerned about the potential financial impact cancer could have on organisational costs, and more than half (54%) have recently noticed an increase in employees affected by cancer within their workforce.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “No matter how long an employee has had their worries or been going through tests, being given a formal cancer diagnosis is completely blindsiding.
“Therefore, employee cancer support needs to be both flexible and comprehensive to help the individual, and to also support their employer in helping staff, acting sensitively and making appropriate adjustments.”
Support for the condition itself may include access to specialist cancer care pathways, oncologists, second medical opinion services and virtual GPs, preparation for consultations and navigating the NHS.
Fast track access to mental health support is often also required, as a diagnosis can lead to depression or anxiety, and practical support should not be overlooked to help with changes in physical appearance or adjustments in the home.
Moxham added: “All employers need to ask themselves how they can best support a member of staff during a cancer diagnosis.
“With diagnoses at an all-time high and so many support options available, there is no reason not to be prepared.”
