Supporting Employees Through Complex Diagnoses: The Impact of Advocacy in the Workplace

When an employee receives a life-changing diagnosis—cancer, heart disease, or another serious condition—stress doesn’t pause. In fact, it often compounds. Between trying to grasp medical terms, navigate fragmented care, manage insurance, and keep up with work responsibilities, many employees feel overwhelmed and alone.

In a study by the American Cancer Society (2022), nearly 60% of people with cancer reported significant financial and administrative stress related to their care. These burdens don’t stay at home—they follow employees into the workplace, affecting performance, morale, and overall well-being.

For employers, this isn’t just a health issue—it’s a leadership opportunity.

At Ardynn, we partner with organizations to offer employees the kind of support that changes outcomes. Our advocates step in early, walking alongside members with one-on-one, personalized guidance that spans far beyond the clinical.

For example:

  • A member who doesn’t know how to interpret the treatment plan his oncologist provided—and doesn’t feel comfortable asking for time off without a clearer picture, reaches out. His Ardynn advocate reviewed the care plan with him, explains what each step means in plain language, and helps him talk with his manager about a flexible schedule. He is able to stay on treatment, keep his job, and feel supported every step of the way.
  • A single mother, managing an autoimmune disease while working full-time in logistics reaches out to Ardynn. Between trying to get prior authorizations approved and finding a rheumatologist who accepted her insurance, she was burned out. Her Ardynn advocate handles the coordination, fights the insurance battles, and helps her find a new provider—all while checking in on her emotional health, too.

These stories are backed by data. A study published in Health Affairs (2021) found that employees with access to professional advocacy services were 30% more likely to adhere to treatment and 25% less likely to experience care delays due to insurance or logistical barriers. This support doesn’t just improve health outcomes—it reduces stress and keeps employees connected to their work and their lives.

The ROI is clear. In a 2023 case study by the National Business Group on Health, a global employer saw a 22% reduction in medical-related absenteeism and a 17% boost in employee satisfaction after launching an advocacy program for employees with chronic conditions. Employees reported feeling more cared for—and more committed to their organization.

One of the most powerful forms of advocacy we offer is navigating the complex healthcare system. When employees are facing complex diagnoses, they often run into a maze of disconnected providers, inconsistent communication, and missed opportunities. Our advocates simplify this. We can help handle logistics, clarify treatment options, and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2022), 70% of employees with chronic conditions who had access to advocacy services reported improved clarity about their care and lower stress when navigating the healthcare system.

Financial strain is another major stressor. A 2023 Healthcare Cost Institute survey found that 45% of employees with major health issues faced unexpected out-of-pocket costs that impacted their financial stability. Ardynn advocates help members understand their benefits, resolve billing issues, and connect with financial resources—so they can focus on healing, not scrambling to pay medical bills.

And finally, advocacy supports emotional resilience. The American Psychological Association (2023) reported that 65% of employees managing a serious illness experience anxiety related to their diagnosis and treatment. Just knowing that someone is there—listening, explaining, checking in—can significantly ease that burden.

When employers embed advocacy into their benefits strategy, they send a powerful message: You are not just an employee—you’re a person who deserves to be supported, especially in your hardest moments.

At Ardynn, we help organizations turn that promise into action—empowering employees to make informed decisions, reducing preventable stress, and building a workplace culture grounded in care, trust, and resilience.

Because behind every diagnosis is a person—and behind every strong workforce is support that works. To get started with an advocate, contact Ardynn member services at 737-307-0077 or click here to schedule an introductory call.

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