Publicis Groupe India has announced the launch of its 'Screening Time Off' initiative to remove workplace barriers and stigma surrounding preventive cancer.

This global awareness campaign aims to encourage employees to take the time to get necessary cancer screenings.

To enable early detection and make screenings more accessible, Publicis Groupe India is partnering with Datar Cancer Genetics, a company specialising in advanced cancer detection through a blood test that screens for over 30 types of cancers. Publicis is facilitating screening for its people and their immediate family members. Additionally, this partnership allows employees access to screening services throughout the year.

Since its global launch two years ago at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Working with Cancer Pledge has united more than 3,000 companies with a shared goal of erasing the stigma at the workplace and building a recovery-forward culture.

Two years ago, Publicis Groupe India developed an enabling support culture for its people who are battling critical illnesses including cancer. It introduced a one–year paid leave so that they can focus on recovery without financial stress. They also have access to caregiver support as well as tailored resources including counselling and support to caregivers.

This year, to create a greater impact, Publicis Groupe India is introducing cancer screening for its employees, as early detection is key to shaping a positive outcome. Caught early, many common cancers have considerably better survival rates well over 90%, as reported by the American Cancer Society.

Surbhi Gupta, chief talent officer, Publicis Groupe South Asia, said, “We are committed to building a workplace that prioritises empathy, inclusion, and well-being. The Screening Time Off initiative will help our people take a concrete step towards caring about their health by screening for cancer. Our goal is to create a culture where people are healthy and thriving at work and this is a step towards this commitment.”