Publicis Groupe Hungary Launches Working With Cancer Program

Working with Cancer also aims to end the stigma of the disease in the workplace. To this end, they are launching a call for national companies to join the initiative.

Working with Cancer is now an alliance of large international companies united by a pledge to build the most open, supportive, and healing workplace culture for their employees with cancer and other long-term chronic conditions. Leading companies such as Google, Meta, McDonald's, Microsoft, Nestlé, and Unilever, as well as competitors WPP, IPG, and Omnicom, have joined the program.

The Hungarian subsidiary of the Publicis Groupe international group is particularly concerned about the issue, as according to the Hungarian Cancer League Hungary is still the leading country in terms of cancer mortality. The company, therefore, undertakes to ensure that its colleagues with cancer or other long-term chronic illnesses will continue to receive 100% of their pre-diagnosis basic salary and benefits for one year after diagnosis, even if they are unable to work, or only part-time or on reduced hours. They can also participate in various support programs if they have an immediate family member with the disease.

"It's also important to know the background of the founding of Working with Cancer to understand how important it is to talk about this issue. Arthur Sadoun, CEO of Publicis Groupe, was diagnosed and treated for cancer. After he disclosed his condition, thousands of people told us about the fear they experienced as cancer or chronic patients, not only for their lives but also for their jobs. Raising awareness of the issue is crucial: researchers say 50% of cancer patients are afraid to tell their employer about their diagnosis, despite 92% feeling that supports at work has a positive impact on their health," said Veronika Borbás, chief talent officer, Publicis Groupe CEE Region.

Publicis Groupe Hungary already highlighted mental health and well-being issues in the workplace last year, and this will now be complemented by the launch of Working with Cancer in 2023. Publicis Groupe Hungary will work with a team of medical experts, while the psychological counseling and training of volunteers joining the program will be provided by the Pszichoforyou team.

"As the country's largest creative and media agency, our most important value is openness and acceptance. And here in Hungary, it is particularly relevant that people with cancer and chronic illnesses should not be subject to discrimination and should receive all the help they need," added Zsófia Komáromi, head of people & culture at Publicis Groupe Hungary.

Publicis Groupe Hungary is launching a call for national business and communications industry players to join the Working With Cancer program to bring about real cultural change in the workplace.

Thanks to international cooperation, the collaboration of global partners, and the support of the World Economic Forum, Working With Cancer is already having a positive impact on the lives of 20 million people. As a testament to the importance of this collaboration, the global premiere of the campaign film "Monday", which highlights the importance of supporting cancer patients in the workplace, was shown during a commercial break during this year's Super Bowl. Since the call for action on World Cancer Day on February 4, more than USD 100 million in media donations have been made by the partners involved in the coalition.