Partnering with Working Towards Wellbeing

The side effects of cancer and associated treatments, even post-recovery, can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to work. Many want to return to work and normal life, and indeed, the return to a pre-cancer daily routine can be extremely beneficial to recovery.

However, survivors often encounter obstacles, including exhaustion and residual feelings of being generally unwell following what are often multiple rounds of intensive treatments. Matters that may have been insignificant before treatment – for example, the commute to work – can become a source of anxiety, as a crowded train during rush hour may mean standing for more than an hour, a strain on a body that has been significantly taxed.

Swiss Re partnered with the organisation Working Towards Wellbeing to address these obstacles and support cancer survivors get back to work and back to their routines. The Cancer Work Support Service can provide physical help such as physiotherapy and an exercise programme, and offers significant emotional support services, through regular coaching and advice and therapy by licensed professionals. The programme includes more than ten Swiss Re clients across the market, reaching more than 400 participants.

Early intervention

Early therapeutic treatment for those fighting and surviving cancer can lead to greater health and faster recovery, as well as improve workforce management and productivity. Insurers benefit from increased return on investment when survivors adjust more easily to their normal routines.

Access to a team of experts

Swiss Re’s clinical team is made up of health professionals in a wide range of fields, including vocational rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy. These health professionals consult with our clients to design and implement holistic and individualised claims management, and have worked with our clients to develop return to work services for specific health conditions. These experts work with insurers to advise on the benefits of therapeutic intervention in the recovery process, and collaborate to build and promote a proactive claims management culture, identify trends, diagnoses and key claims drivers.