Sanofi raises the bar for employee benefits, seeing the person as a whole individual

Among all chronic conditions, individuals diagnosed with cancer face the highest prevalence of employment loss. In this Health Industry Hub interview, Michelle Zimany, People Business Partner Lead for Specialty Care in the Japan Pacific region at Sanofi, delved into the critical intersection of employment and cancer diagnosis, and a first-of-its-kind program raising the bar for employee benefits in the healthcare industry.

“50% of individuals diagnosed with cancer are afraid to tell their workplace. This is despite 92% saying that their workplace plays a critical role in how they’re feeling about their health, particularly mentally,” she explained.

The inception of Sanofi’s Cancer & Work global program stemmed from an inspiring employee initiative in 2017. Ms Zimany shared a story of a Sanofian who was the driving force behind the initiative, choosing to “fight to live her life. Not just to survive, but really to continue to do the things that gave her meaning and purpose.”

When asked about the tangible benefits of the Cancer & Work program for employees locally, she emphasised its role in offering a holistic approach, ranging from peer support, flexible work arrangements and salary protection for a year.

“We’ve had some people who are in remission say that if the Cancer & Work program had been available when they were diagnosed, it would have changed their whole outlook on how they approached work,” she shared.

The launch of the Cancer & Work program aligns seamlessly with Sanofi’s short- and long-term Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy.

“Our vision is to reflect the diversity of our communities and ensure that we’re enabling people to unleash their full potential in order to transform healthcare,” she stated.

In closing, Ms Zimany offered invaluable advice to organisations contemplating similar programs. She stressed the importance of “really looking within your own organisation to help accelerate great ideas” and to “go slow in order to go fast”.

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