Why is this work relevant for Innovation?

After an Itochu employee lost their battle with cancer, the Chairman & CEO took it upon himself to create a system that would support employees in the event that they developed cancer. This top-down approach gave birth to the current support system which reflects treatment progress in a worker's performance evaluation. After much negotiation with medical institutions and the government, Itochu went on to become the first private company to enter a partnership with the National Cancer Center, providing treatment and prevention for its employees. It is gaining attention as an unorthodox support system for a Japanese company to adopt.

Background

・1 in every 2 Japanese people will develop cancer in their lifetime. ・Every year, one million people in the country are diagnosed with cancer of which one in three are working-age adults, and one in five leave their jobs after developing cancer. How can people establish a balance between work and cancer treatment? How can companies support employees who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families? These are the challenges that Japan needs to face.

Describe the idea

Itochu Corporation believes that people can reach their full potential when they feel they have found a place they truly belong. This is why we set about creating a system where the entire company will treat and support employees like family, even in the face of more serious illnesses.

What were the key dates in the development process?

July 21, 2017 The Chairman & CEO of Itochu, sent a mass email to all employees, urging them to "stand up to cancer" and declaring that the company will begin working on a support system that will help employees balance work and cancer treatment. August 21, 2017 Itochu announced that it will begin implementing the first phase of its Support Measure for Balancing Cancer Care and Work system. July 20, 2018 Itochu announced that it will begin implementing the second phase of its Support Measure for Balancing Cancer Care and Work system.

Describe the innovation/technology

1. Created a support system which would allow employees to balance work and cancer treatment with the help of a support coordinator. 2. Counted work and cancer treatment balance as a performance indicator. If an employee achieved their cancer treatment goals, they received a bonus payment and positive reviews in their work performance evaluation. 3. Strengthened early detection and prevention measures for cancer in partnership with the National Cancer Center Hospital. 4. Subsidized medical expenses for highly advanced medical cancer treatments which is usually paid for in full by the patient. 5. Relieved employees' anxiety about the future by ensuring their bereaved family will receive support for educational costs and future employment.

Describe the expectations/outcome

We provided full support for employees with cancer so that they could balance cancer treatment and work. By ensuring that they still felt like they belonged at the company, we prevented them and their families from feeling isolated. This support system was well received all over Japan and Itochu has been commended by Dr. Keiichi Nakagawa, chairman of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's project, Companies Promoting Cancer Control in the Action Plan for Promotion of Cancer Control, as being a pioneering company - the first of its kind to address this issue of "work-treatment balance" which is not just unique to Japan, but the whole world.