Mumbai — Publicis Groupe announced a new phase in its Working With Cancer initiative following recent research linking continued employment with improved quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer.
The announcement follows findings from a review led by Dr. Victoria Blinder of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dr. Gina Mazza of Mayo Clinic, which examined studies on employment outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. According to the review, individuals who remained employed or returned to work reported higher overall quality of life, stronger physical functioning, and lower rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with those who were unemployed five years after diagnosis.
Working With Cancer, launched three years ago at the World Economic Forum in Davos, has grown to include more than 5,000 participating companies, representing more than 40 million workers worldwide. The initiative encourages employers to adopt policies that support employees undergoing cancer treatment and recovery.
Drawing on the research findings, Working With Cancer has developed an AI-powered coaching tool designed to help employers and employees navigate workplace policies and accommodations. Available to organizations that sign the initiative’s pledge, the tool allows companies to upload their internal policies so employees can receive guidance tailored to their circumstances. The system is designed to provide non-medical support, maintain user privacy, and avoid retaining data beyond individual sessions.
Alongside the tool’s launch, Working With Cancer is rolling out a global awareness campaign encouraging more employers to join the initiative. The campaign includes a film produced by Publicis Conseil and supported by donated media placements from multiple partners. The campaign features cancer survivors discussing the role work played during treatment and recovery and will be displayed in a Times Square out-of-home takeover on Feb. 4, marking World Cancer Day.
