Workplace/Workforce Committee

Why? Cancer survival frequently has long-term effects on employment and the ability to work.

By improving clinical and support services in the workplace to better manage symptoms and rehabilitation and accommodate disabilities associated with the disease, we can increase the numbers of cancer survivors who successfully return to work. The dynamics in the workplace—just as in the routine of living—change dramatically for a cancer survivor. Inability to work regular hours can affect finances and health insurance. Social connections may be lost. Professional selfrespect, self-esteem and satisfaction can suffer. For the employer, productivity may be affected. If there are physical limitations, the employer may alter job assignments, which can enhance employer/employee relations.

ARE SOME OF US MORE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS THAN OTHERS?

Based on trends reported by the American Cancer Society in 2005:
More women than men who were working at diagnosis reported limitations in the ability to work.
Disability and quitting rates for both men and women were higher for survivors who were still in initial treatment for active cancer.
New cancers or metastases increased the likelihood of quitting work and disability among men—but not as much among women.
Survivors 45–52 years of age at follow-up were more likely to report cancerrelated disabilities than younger survivors—even though they are not more likely to quit working.

WHAT CAN BE DONE

Promote cancer screening, prevention and treatment with employers to keep their employees from having cancer affect their livelihood.
Inform those who have cancer and are working about the support programs available to them.
Offer to send speakers to inform employers of the cancer resources available to them through the Delaware Cancer Consortium.
Train and educate employers on how they can help those with cancer in their working environments.
Partner with insurance companies to get more people screened and enrolled in risk reduction programs.

Click each goal to read about the objectives, tasks and timeframes.

Goal 1:

Promote existing cancer prevention, screening and treatment programs to Delaware employers.

Year 1

$10,000

Year 2

$25,000

Year 3

$25,000

Year 4

$25,000

Objective 1A: Conduct a statewide needs assessment to identify gaps in knowledge and/or services among small and larger employers and those who are self-insured.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Develop a needs assessment and collect data from a representative sample of employers.	DPH	Year 1
Analyze results and use them to develop targeted initiatives for diverse employers.	DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1

Objective 1B: Create an employer web page on the DCC website that provides interactive access to cancer information resources.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create a new web page on the DCC website that links with existing sources of cancer information; research, writing, design, HTML (or equivalent) building, etc., for 10 pages of info and resources.	DPH, DCC Workplace Committee and media contractor	Year 1 & ongoing
Add a resources guide to the website that has information on personalized services available to employers such as return on investment (ROI) analysis for cancer screenings, learn-at-lunch trainings, legal considerations, mentoring programs and human resources training to assist employees with cancer.	DPH, media contractor	Year 1 & ongoing

Objective 1C: Distribute existing employer guides on Delaware cancer programs.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Distribute guides through employer conferences, chamber of commerce meetings and the annual Advocates of Hope Summit.	DPH, DCC Workplace Committee, media contractor	Year 1 & ongoing

Objective 1D: Create speakers’ bureau to disseminate information about the Delaware Cancer Consortium and cancer resources.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create template presentations on various cancer-related topics of interest to small, medium and large employers.	DPH, DCC Workplace Committee, media contractor	Year 1 & ongoing
Establish a panel of speakers composed of public health specialists and DCC chairs and members.	DPH, DCC Workplace Committee, media contractor	Year 1 & ongoing

Goal 2:

Implement workplace/workforce initiatives and provide individual trainings and resources to employers.

Year 1

$55,000

Year 2

$60,000

Year 3

$65,000

Year 4

$65,000

Objective 2A: Establish one full-time employer liaison position to implement workplace/workforce programs.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Establish allocation for 1.0 FTE Trainer/Educator III.	General Assembly	Year 1 & ongoing
The Trainer/Educator III will implement Workplace/Workforce cancer prevention, screening, education and treatment programs for Delaware employers.	—	—

Objective 2B: Create partnerships with state and local chamber of commerce organizations and local unions to share information and promote screening and early detection.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create a database of contacts in these chamber of commerce organizations and local unions.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Set up a plan of action to ensure that all potential partners are contacted and given the opportunity to participate in promoting screening and early detection.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 2

Objective 2C: Provide information to employers on workplace safety and health resources available to help educate employers on ways to reduce workplace exposures to hazardous materials.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create a database of employer contacts.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Identify opportunities to distribute workplace safety and health resources at employer groups and events.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1

Goal 3:

Partner with insurance companies to increase the number of employees accessing cancer screening and risk reduction programs.

Year 1

Year 2

$10,000

Year 3

$20,000

Year 4

$20,000

Objective 3A: Work with insurance companies to identify members who are eligible but have not been screened and refer them to cancer screening nurse navigation services.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create a database of key contacts in the insurance industry.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Outline current insurance practices for increasing screening.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Identify potential gaps in identification process and quantify number of members impacted	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Work with insurance companies, brokers, employers and employees to identify barriers to available cancer screening and wellness programs.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1

Objective 3B: Using aggregate claims data, assist insurance companies in identifying cancer screening or risk factor reduction programs.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Work with the Data Committee of DCC to use aggregate claims data from insurers.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Use resources and benchmarking to blueprint recommended risk reduction programs that meet employer needs.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Develop initiatives/programs to increase screening and reduce cancer risk factors.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 2

Objective 3C: Provide information and resources to employers on workplace wellness initiatives available.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Identify organizations that can provide information and resources to employers on workplace wellness initiatives.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Create links on the DCC website to make information and resources on workplace wellness initiatives available to employers.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Create minimum and excellence recommended “standards” for employer-based cancer risk reduction and screening programs, then highlight companies that meet or exceed standards.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 2

Objective 3D: Collaborate with insurance providers to streamline member information on cancer benefits and coverage.

Task/Action	Responsible Party	Timeframe
Create a short-term task force made up of key insurers to address the objective.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Compile resource file of current insurers’ information.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 1
Hold quarterly collaboration sessions with insurers and employers to share ideas.	DPH, DCC Workforce/Workplace Committee	Year 2 & ongoing