The importance of workplace accommodation for cancer survivors – The role of flexible work schedules and psychological help in returning to work

Abstract

We investigate whether accommodating job attributes influence the probability of returning to work three years after a cancer diagnosis. Using a combination of Danish administrative data and a survey carried out among Danish breast, colon, and melanoma skin cancer survivors, we find that the probability of returning to work is significantly and positively correlated with a flexible work schedule during and after cancer treatment. The result is robust when controlling for pre-cancer work experience, job seniority, pre-cancer job dissatisfaction, and post-cancer ability to work. Furthermore, we show that the influence of a flexible schedule varies with respect to cancer survivors’ ability to work, level of education, and type of cancer.