Publicis Partners with Global Brands and Jenna Fischer to Promote Cancer Screenings in the Workplace

Publicis Groupe has launched a new initiative, “Screening Time Off”, aimed at encouraging companies to allow employees the time they need to undergo essential cancer and health screenings without the stress of work commitments. This initiative is a part of the company’s broader “Working With Cancer” campaign, which was first introduced two years ago following the cancer diagnosis of the company’s CEO, Arthur Sadoun. The mission behind “Working With Cancer” is to eliminate the stigma surrounding cancer in the workplace and create a supportive environment for employees affected by it. So far, the campaign has reached over 35 million employees from 2,500 companies globally.

The goal of the “Screening Time Off” campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection. Studies show that nearly half of cancer deaths are preventable, with many cancers having survival rates of over 90% when caught early. However, a significant number of people delay or skip screenings because they either don’t have the time or feel uncomfortable discussing it at work. In the United States, approximately 7 in 10 people are behind on their cancer screenings, and 25% of workers do not take advantage of workplace benefits for health checkups. Publicis Groupe believes that by encouraging employees to take time off for these screenings, lives can be saved, and overall health outcomes improved.

The campaign has partnered with actress Jenna Fischer, best known for her role in The Office and a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness. Fischer, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story of early detection in the campaign video. She encourages workers to schedule their screenings and stresses to employers the importance of supporting the “Screening Time Off” program, which provides businesses with the resources needed to help employees prioritize their health.

Publicis Groupe is providing companies with various tools, including activation guides, social media assets, and communication resources, to promote the importance of cancer screenings in the workplace. The program is flexible enough to work in different countries and industries, taking into account variations in workplace culture and healthcare systems.

The NHS in the UK and the Prevent Cancer Foundation in the US both emphasize how crucial early detection is in saving lives. With survival rates for many cancers being high when detected early, the “Screening Time Off” campaign aims to ensure that workers are not putting off important health screenings because of work pressures or the stigma often associated with discussing health issues in the workplace.

Arthur Sadoun, CEO of Publicis Groupe, explains, “By encouraging employees to take time for cancer screenings, we’re saving lives by ensuring early detection doesn’t take a back seat to work. This initiative is a crucial step toward building healthier, recovery-forward workforces across the globe.”

The “Screening Time Off” program is part of a larger effort by Publicis Groupe to foster a more supportive and health-conscious workplace. In addition to encouraging employees to take time for screenings, Publicis offers job security and career support for employees diagnosed with cancer, as well as support for caregivers.

Through this initiative, Publicis Groupe aims to create a cultural shift in the workplace, making it easier for employees to prioritize their health without fear of professional repercussions. By providing the necessary tools and resources, the “Screening Time Off” campaign hopes to encourage a proactive approach to cancer prevention and early detection, ultimately saving lives and improving the overall well-being of employees worldwide.