Businesses Tackling End-of-Life Issues
Company initiatives dealing with terminal illness can ease employees’ minds and lower health costs.

More companies are helping employees deal with end-of-life issues. As the population ages, workers are more likely to struggle with terminal illnesses -- either their own or one affecting a family member. Pitney Bowes, General Electric, IBM, PepsiCo and Tyco International are among employers that offer support of various kinds, including flexible work hours, access to legal and financial advice, and information on hospice care, grief counseling and caregiver support groups.
The goal of employers with such programs is to help workers plan ahead and make informed decisions about the future, says Pam Kalen of the National Business Group on Health, which is developing a tool kit for employers interested in setting up a program.
Employers benefit from increased productivity and lower health costs. A MetLife study puts the loss of productivity stemming from employees burdened by end-of-life caregiving at as much as $33 billion a year, while a retention study by Pitney Bowes and Tufts University notes that one in five caregivers seriously consider permanently leaving the workforce to deal with health matters.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Still, though end-of-life programs can save companies money, “this is more about doing the right thing for workers,” says Dr. Brent Pawlecki, corporate medical director at Pitney Bowes.
Pitney Bowes, for example, offers the benefits as part of the firm’s wellness program. Workers get information on end-of-life issues such as hospice and palliative care and the importance of planning for what Pawlecki calls “a normal part of life.” The company also has support groups for caregivers and flexible working arrangements that allow employees to work at home.
The initiative helps to “get rid of the stigma” associated with end-of-life issues, Pawlecki says. “We introduced it as part of our wellness program and to make the point that just as one plans for retirement, it’s important to plan for this,” he adds.
General Electric provides counseling and financial planning to employees who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Counselors meet with employees to develop an action plan, covering such areas as estate planning, advanced directives, insurance needs and educational funding, among others.
About 70% of GE employees who are offered the service decide to participate. “Most people tell us what a relief it is to them to have this resource,” says GE’s Carolyn Smith.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Are Mixed Before Liberation Day
Markets look forward to what comes with the reordering of 80-year-old global trade relationships.
By David Dittman Published
-
Stagflation: What It Is and Why Retirees Should Care
Stagflation — the economic bogeyman of the 1970's — may return to the US. Here's what it could mean to your retirement.
By Donna Fuscaldo Published
-
Rising AI Demand Stokes Undersea Investments
The Kiplinger Letter As demand soars for AI, there’s a need to transport huge amounts of data across oceans. Tech giants have big plans for new submarine cables, including the longest ever.
By John Miley Published
-
What DOGE is Doing Now
The Kiplinger Letter As Musk's DOGE pursues its ambitious agenda, uncertainty and legal challenges are mounting — causing frustration for Trump.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
A Move Away From Free Trade
The Letter President Trump says long-term gain will be worth short-term pain, but the pain could be significant this year.
By David Payne Published
-
The Explosion of New AI Tools
The Kiplinger Letter Workers and consumers soon won’t be able to escape generative AI. Does that mean societal disruption and productivity gains are right around the corner?
By John Miley Published
-
Trump’s Whirlwind Month of Crypto Moves
The Kiplinger Letter The Trump administration wants to strengthen U.S. leadership in the cryptocurrency industry by providing regulatory clarity.
By Rodrigo Sermeño Published
-
Excitement Over AI Propels IT Spending
The Kiplinger Letter IT sales set to surge in 2025 as businesses rush to adopt generative AI.
By John Miley Published
-
Donald Trump Tests His Limits
The Kiplinger Letter President Encounters Legal Obstacles in Pursuit of Ambitious Agenda.
By Matthew Housiaux Published
-
Another Down Year for Agriculture
The Kiplinger Letter Farmers brace for falling incomes, widening trade deficits
By Matthew Housiaux Published