The American Society Of Clinical Oncology Recognized For Providing Family-Friendly Work Environment

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 13 Nov 2009 - 2:00 PST

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The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) received the Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) CARE Award for their commitment to providing a family-friendly workplace for its employees. NVFS annually recognizes organizations with supportive programs and policies that allow employees to focus on a healthy work-life balance.

"We are proud to be recognized with this important award," said Allen S. Lichter, MD, ASCO CEO. "ASCO continuously strives to help employees achieve a positive balance of work and family life. With valuable employee feedback, ASCO has implemented many programs to support this initiative."

In 1992, NVFS and area business leaders created the CARE (Companies As Responsive Employers) Awards to encourage local companies/organizations to adopt policies that help employees manage the responsibilities of work and home. The selection process focuses on three areas: policies and benefits, ease of utilization, and company culture and philosophy. The CARE Nominating Committee also evaluates award applicants based on the accessibility and communication of these policies. Finalists receive site visits from the committee and employees are interviewed to determine whether the programs in place truly meet their work-life balance needs.

ASCO employees have several schedule options to help minimize their daily commute and time away from family, including compressed work weeks, teleworking, and flexible core work hours. ASCO also offers a generous paid time off leave program. Employees are encouraged to participate in community service events, like the Alexandria Walk for Breast Cancer and Dress for Success. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential assistance on a host of personal and work-related issues.

MyASCO, the recently enhanced employee intranet, provides an open communications forum and access to important information about organization procedures. The monthly ASCOPerks newsletter informs employees about upcoming events and educational information about the benefits available to them. When new, complex programs are put in place, communication begins at All Staff meetings and continues down with more detailed information presented at department meetings.

The programs ASCO has in place not only help employees in their family and professional lives, they also help ASCO achieve its overall goals.

Source
The American Society of Clinical Oncology