Ricoh Europe CEO Nicola Downing has signed the Working with Cancer pledge – an initiative designed to build a supportive work environment for those who are battling cancer and other chronic diseases and serious illnesses requiring specific medical care. It also extends to employees who are providing cancer care to loved ones, while raising awareness of these challenges across the wider workplace.
With an overall aim of abolishing the stigma and insecurity that exists for people with cancer in the workplace, the pledge rallies companies around the world, to provide a supportive and recovery-forward culture at work for all employees impacted by cancer.
Ricoh’s commitment to signing this pledge not only demonstrates the importance of raising awareness around these serious diseases and illnesses but also its commitment to continue the open dialogue surrounding this inside of its organisation.
Downing said: “As a people-first organisation, we recognise the profound impact that cancer and other chronic diseases and illnesses can have on individuals as well as their families, and their work lives. As such, to reinforce our commitment to our people, we pledge to support our employees, colleagues, and community members who are affected by such serious diseases and illnesses.”
To further reinforce its dedication to joining this movement, Ricoh Europe has already set out the following commitments as part of this pledge which include applying discretion to the sick pay of any colleagues unable to work due to a diagnosis of cancer so they have assurance and security and therefore can focus on their treatment and recovery and to continue to provide flexible working arrangements to ensure well-being and recovery are prioritised. The company has also pledged to support all Ricoh employees in a primary caregiver role, to allow them to balance their roles at work and as a caregiver in line with the company’s flexible working policies.
