When Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wasn’t just facing a personal health battle—she was also struggling to keep up with her responsibilities at work. Between doctor’s appointments, treatment side effects, and the emotional weight of her diagnosis, her productivity slipped. She was exhausted, distracted, and overwhelmed, and despite her best efforts, she felt like she was failing in both her personal and professional life. Eventually, she considered leaving her job entirely, feeling that she had no choice but to prioritize her health over her career.
Lisa’s story is not unique. Each year, more than a million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer, and many of them are working professionals. The challenges they face—fatigue, cognitive fog, financial stress, and the logistical complexity of treatment—can take a serious toll on their ability to perform at work. Without proper support, employees with cancer are more likely to miss work, struggle with productivity, or leave their jobs entirely. But when companies provide comprehensive support, the outcomes are significantly different: employees stay engaged, maintain productivity, and feel valued, leading to better business outcomes for employers.
The Business Cost of Ignoring Cancer in the Workplace
Cancer doesn’t just affect employees on a personal level—it has measurable financial and operational consequences for businesses. Research has shown that employees undergoing cancer treatment experience a substantial drop in productivity, often struggling with focus, fatigue, and frequent medical absences. A study by the American Productivity Audit found that chronic health conditions, including cancer, cost U.S. businesses over $260 billion annually in lost productivity.
Turnover is another major concern. Many employees, like Lisa, feel they have no choice but to leave their jobs when they receive a cancer diagnosis. A Gallup Workplace Study found that 62% of employees with serious health conditions consider leaving their jobs due to a lack of workplace support. When an employee resigns, the costs of replacement—including recruitment, training, and lost productivity—can range from 1.5 to 2 times their annual salary, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. For employers, this is an unnecessary loss, one that could be prevented with the right workplace interventions.
How Comprehensive Support Changes the Equation
Some companies are recognizing the need to take a proactive approach to supporting employees with cancer. Studies show companies that introduce a comprehensive cancer support program that includes personalized health advocacy, workplace accommodations can experience up to 38% increase in retention among employees diagnosed with cancer, along with a 22% boost in productivity and a 15% reduction in overall healthcare costs.
How Ardynn is Transforming Workplace Support for Employees with Cancer
For companies looking to provide this level of comprehensive support, Ardynn offers a solution designed to empower employees facing cancer while also benefiting employers. By combining real-world data with personalized advocacy, Ardynn ensures that employees have access to the information and guidance they need to make informed treatment decisions and maintain stability in their work lives.
Ardynn’s whole-person approach provides employees with direct access to advocates who help them understand their treatment options, navigate the healthcare system, and manage side effects in ways that align with their work responsibilities. This support reduces stress and helps employees feel less alone in their journey, leading to improved mental well-being and a greater ability to stay engaged at work.
One of the most impactful aspects of Ardynn’s approach is its use of real-world data from PotentiaMetrics’ extensive patient registries. Unlike traditional clinical trial data, which can be limited in scope, real-world data provides employees with insights into treatment outcomes based on the experiences of patients with similar conditions and characteristics. This enables employees to make better-informed decisions about their care, leading to improved health outcomes and fewer unexpected complications that could disrupt their work.
Employers that partner with Ardynn not only help their employees but also see tangible benefits for their businesses. Companies that implement structured, data-driven advocacy programs experience higher retention rates, lower healthcare costs, and a more engaged workforce. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to remain committed to their jobs, reducing turnover and maintaining workplace stability.
A Win-Win for Employees and Employers
Lisa’s story had a different ending than she initially feared. Instead of leaving her job, she received personalized advocacy support that helped her manage her treatment while staying engaged in her work. She had access to real-world data that allowed her to make informed health decisions, and her employer provided the flexibility and resources she needed to balance her health and career. As a result, she remained a valuable part of her team, and her company retained an experienced and dedicated employee.
Comprehensive support for employees with cancer isn’t just an act of compassion—it’s a smart business strategy. Companies that invest in whole-person advocacy and data-driven guidance see measurable improvements in retention, productivity, and overall workplace morale. By partnering with solutions like Ardynn, employers can create a culture of support that benefits both their employees and their bottom line.
Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of a person’s career. When employers provide the right support, employees can continue to thrive professionally while managing their health. The data is clear: comprehensive support leads to higher retention, better productivity, and improved workplace morale.
Ardynn is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a structured, real-world-data-driven approach to helping employees with cancer make informed decisions and stay engaged in their work. For businesses, investing in these kinds of solutions isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a decision that leads to long-term success for both employees and employers alike.
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