Ricoh Europe Signs Working with Cancer Pledge to Raise Awareness of Cancer in the Workplace

Ricoh Europe Signs Working with Cancer Pledge to Raise Awareness Around Cancer in the Workplace as it Continues to Open the Dialogue Inside its Organisation

Today (Tuesday 4th February 2025) on World Cancer Day, Ricoh Europe has announced that, on behalf of the company, CEO Nicola Downing has signed the #WorkingWithCancer pledge. 

The Pledge has been designed to build a supportive work environment for those who are battling cancer and other chronic diseases and serious illnesses requiring specific medical care *. It also extends to employees who are providing cancer care to loved ones, while raising awareness of these challenges across the wider workplace.  

Ricoh’s commitment to signing this pledge not only demonstrates the importance of raising awareness around these serious diseases and illnesses but also the company’s commitment to continue the open dialogue surrounding this inside of its organisation.

With an overall aim of abolishing the stigma and insecurity that exists for people with cancer in the workplace, the Working with Cancer Pledge rallies companies around the world, to provide a supportive and recovery-forward culture at work for all employees impacted by cancer*. 

Additionally, the need for this pledge reflects the increasing number of those impacted by cancer in the workplace. Fifty percent of adults will get cancer, and recent data has revealed that, even though early onset cancers are still uncommon, those of a working age, are in the fastest growing age group which is currently up 24% in the last two decades.

By 2030 in the UK, one million people in the working-age population are expected to have been diagnosed with cancer – of that population today, one in four do not return to the workplace after treatment. **

Ricoh Europe has a diverse workforce of over 15,000 colleagues across its Europe, Middle East and Africa region and is committed to its founding principles ‘the Spirit of Three Loves’ – Love your neighbour, Love your country, Love your work. These principles encourage its people to continuously improve and contribute to the wellbeing of all stakeholders including families, customers and communities. The signing of the Working with Cancer Pledge reflects these principles.  

Nicola Downing, Chief Executive at Ricoh Europe, said:“As a people-first organisation, we recognise the profound impact that cancer and other chronic diseases and illnesses can have on individuals as well as their families, and their work lives.  As such, to reinforce our commitment to our people, we pledge to support our employees, colleagues, and community members who are affected by such serious diseases and illnesses.” 

To further reinforce its dedication to joining this movement, Ricoh Europe has already set out the following commitments as part of this pledge which include: 

• Sick Pay Discretion: Applying discretion to the sick pay of any colleagues unable to work due to a diagnosis of cancer so they have assurance and security and therefore can focus on their treatment and recovery.
• Flexible Working: Continue to provide flexible working arrangements such as changeable working hours and remote working options to ensure well-being and recovery are prioritised. The company has also pledged to support all Ricoh employees in a primary caregiver role, to allow them to balance their roles at work and as a caregiver in line with the company’s flexible working policies. 
• Support Networks: Developing support networks of employees whose lives have been impacted by cancer (either as a survivor, caregiver or supporter) and whose focus is on fostering a supportive work environment.
• Enhancement and Progression: Continually review the enhancement and progression of the Working with Cancer Pledge.

*This pledge covers employees facing all forms of cancer and other chronic diseases and serious illnesses requiring specific medical care as defined by the country in which they live

**Statistics and data based on Working with Cancer findings