Publicis Foundation has launched Working With Cancer, the first cross-industry coalition designed to remove the stigma of cancer in the workplace.
The coalition is supported by cancer charities and organisations including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSK), MacMillan Cancer Support, and the Gustave Roussy Institute.
Yesterday (17 January) at Davos, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, Working With Cancer launched a pledge designed to gain commitment from companies around the world to build “open, supportive and recovery-forward work cultures for their employees.” As part of the pledge, companies large and small are invited to outline their own commitments to cancer patients within their organisations.
Publicis’ pledge includes providing cancer patients with job security for at least a year, and bringing the necessary career support for them and for caregivers in its organization. The company said the pledge would be amplified by a campaign – “Work/Life” – that shows what cancer patients go through when they hide their condition from their colleagues.
Publicis CEO Arthurt Sadoun, who was diagnosed and treated for cancer in April last year, said, “It is a tough reality, but whether directly or indirectly, every one of us will have to confront cancer in our lives and in our workplaces. Companies have a key role to play in that.
“Working with Cancer is an increasingly important initiative, on a front that many businesses are already invested in. By making their existing efforts more accessible and visible, together we can reduce the anxiety and stigma of cancer in the workplace and positively impact our people’s health. Through a truly collaborative approach, a light lift from everyone becomes deep and lasting impact for cancer patients at work.”
At launch, Working with Cancer has support from organisations including: Abbvie, Adobe, AXA, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, BT, Carrefour, Citi, Disney, EE, Google, Haleon, L’Oréal, Lloyd’s, LVMH, Marriott, McDonald’s, Meta, Mondelez, Microsoft, MSD, Nestlé, Orange, Omnicom, Pepsico, Reckitt, Renault Group, Sanofi, Toyota, Unilever, Verizon, and Walmart.
“MSK is proud to be a founding partner of Working With Cancer, and also to take this important pledge,” said Selwyn M. Vickers MD, FACS, president and CEO of MSK.
“As clinicians, scientists, and staff committed to caring for as well as treating people with cancer, we know the toll that cancer can have on patients and their families. Taking collective action to normalize the conversation around cancer in the workplace is imperative to help people feel supported as they experience their cancer journey.
