Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is the leading organization dedicated to ending cancer through advocacy, research and patient support. As “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime,” ACS has spent over a century supporting patients and their families through their cancer journeys.
By 2019, ACS realized that, much like their patients, their employees were also struggling with caregiving responsibilities and increased stress levels. Employees reported that caring for loved ones was taking a toll on their mental and physical health. Recognizing this growing challenge, ACS sought to provide caregiver support to help employees reduce stress and feel more present both at home and at work.
Cariloop’s personalized approach and inclusive definition of “family” made it the perfect solution for ACS. Cariloop defines family broadly, including not just immediate family members but also close friends and siblings. This inclusive approach meant that ACS employees could access resources for all types of family situations.
Following a fast 30-day onboarding process, ACS employees were able to access Cariloop’s full range of services. Informational materials, webinars and lunch-and-learn events helped employees better understand the benefits. Since its implementation, the program has seen a 12% utilization rate across ACS staff. Of those who used the service, 79% reported saving time, and 63% experienced reduced stress for both themselves and their loved ones.
Meaghan Rohletter, Director of Health and Welfare Benefits at ACS, emphasized the positive impact on employee well-being: “The mental health of our staff has been front and center, especially over the last couple of years with the pandemic. Cariloop provides support not only with caregiving responsibilities but also around mental health. During the pandemic, we saw staff struggling with caregiving, whether it was for a child or adult. Having Care Coaches who can address mental health, backup care, special needs and family support has been invaluable.”
Rohletter recommends that other organizations consider implementing a caregiver support benefit that extends beyond the employee to their loved ones. Whether it’s an employee’s spouse caring for an elderly parent or an adult child with special needs, providing comprehensive support can make a huge difference in employee well-being.
