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.
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.

-
Four Surprising Signs You’ll Never Retire (and How to Fix Them)
Gearing up to retire? If any of these four signs ring true, you may want to make some changes before you do.
-
Stocks Rise After Trump-Powell Fed Tour: Stock Market Today
Nvidia hit a new all-time high intraday, but another renowned semiconductor name and some less iconic stocks were bigger movers Friday.
-
AI-Powered Smart Glasses Set to Make a Bigger Splash
The Kiplinger Letter Meta leads the way with its sleek, fashionable smart glasses, but Apple reportedly plans to join the fray by late 2026. Improved AI will lure more customers.
-
Breaking China's Stranglehold on Rare Earth Elements
The Letter China is using its near-monopoly on critical minerals to win trade concessions. Can the U.S. find alternate supplies?
-
Things that Surprise Business Owners When It’s Time to Sell
The Kiplinger Letter When it’s time to retire and enjoy the fruits of growing their business, owners are often surprised by how tough it is to give up their baby!
-
What New Tariffs Mean for Car Shoppers
The Kiplinger Letter Car deals are growing scarcer. Meanwhile, tax credits for EVs are on the way out, but tax breaks for car loans are coming.
-
AI’s Rapid Rise Sparks New Cyber Threats
The Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Blue Collar Workers Add AI to Their Toolboxes
The Kiplinger Letter AI can’t fix a leak or install lighting, but more and more tradespeople are adopting artificial intelligence for back-office work and other tasks.
-
AI Goes To School
The Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
The New AI Agents Will Tackle Your To-Do List
The Kiplinger Letter Autonomous AI agents “see” your computer screen, then complete a task, from buying a concert ticket to organizing email. This opens up a world of possibilities.