For the 12th year, cancer is the top reason for long term disability claims for Unum, followed closely by back disorders, according to 2012 claims data.
Cancer claims were nearly 16 percent of the company's long term disability claims, while back disorders made up 15.1 percent of claims. The leading reasons for Unum's short term disability claims in 2012 were maternity (18.9 percent of claims) and non-back injuries (10.5 percent).
“Most people who have been diagnosed with cancer are very motivated to get back to work,” said Kristin Tugman, senior director of health and productivity at Unum. “It helps create a sense of normalcy and control at a time when people often feel understandably overwhelmed.”
Cancer patients experience a wide range of side effects from treatment, including fatigue and cognitive issues that are the result of “chemo-brain,” Ms. Tugman said. As the employee transitions back to work, possible accommodations could include:
- Clearly defining work expectations and limitations
- Creating a flexible or reduced work schedule
- Modifying work stations to avoid having to stand or sit for too long
- Allowing extra time for breaks to combat fatigue
- Coaching and providing feedback on performance
Other leading causes of long term disability claims for Unum in 2012 were:
- Back disorders (excluding injury) (15.1 percent)
- Injuries (9.8 percent)
- Behavioral health issues (9.8 percent)
- Circulatory system disorders (9.0 percent)
- Joint disorders (8.3 percent)
Leading causes of short term disability claims were:
- Normal pregnancy (18.9 percent)
- Injuries (10.5 percent)
- Complications from pregnancy (8.4 percent)
- Digestive disorders (8.0 percent)
- Back disorders (7.1 percent)
- Cancer (6.8 percent)
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].