Fostering Resilient Workplaces: Insights from Aon’s Webinar on Diabetes and Breast Cancer
Wellbeing is the leading cost-mitigation strategy for Aon clients across APAC, according to findings from Aon’s 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study. In our recent webinar, we examined how data and analytics are helping employers address rising medical costs and support employees living with diabetes and breast cancer. The session brought together clinical leaders, analytics experts, and workplace wellbeing practitioners to translate clinical insight into practical strategies for organisations and their people.
Why Diabetes and Breast Cancer Matter
Diabetes is now the fourth-largest driver of employer medical costs worldwide. Cancer — including breast cancer — ranks second. These conditions affect not only individuals but organisational performance. As highlighted in Aon’s 2026 Global Medical Trends Report, shifting disease patterns in APAC are reshaping employer approaches to wellbeing.
In Singapore, breast cancer is a significant national health concern. Obesity rates across Asia Pacific also continue to rise, driven by demographic shifts and an ageing workforce. These pressures mirror global trends: increasing chronic disease prevalence, higher medical costs, and the growing complexity of long-term condition management.
Chronic diseases also contribute to higher absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not performing at their best due to ill health. Cancer survivors face additional challenges as they reintegrate into work, including issues of engagement, retention, flexibility, and access to support.
The Whole-Person Approach
At Aon, supporting employees with chronic conditions requires a whole-person approach that extends beyond physical health. As Susan Fanning, Wellbeing Leader for Asia Pacific, explained:
“Organisations must empower people to navigate health challenges and succeed at work — even after a life-changing diagnosis.”
Our panellists reinforced that emotional, social, and professional wellbeing are just as essential as clinical support.
The Workforce Impact: Absenteeism, Presenteeism, and Productivity
Diabetes, breast cancer, and obesity have clear impacts on productivity and employer medical costs. As these conditions become more common, organisations must look beyond cost containment and consider their effects on engagement and performance.
Rising absenteeism and presenteeism highlight the need for employers to move from reactive healthcare to proactive, whole-person strategies.
Prof Dr Lim Lee-Ling, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Department of Research, Development and Innovation at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, noted:
“Early management of diabetes — via regular health checks, healthy living incentives, and access to innovation in medical technology — delivers significant benefits to employees and employers alike.”
Prevention and Early Intervention
Prevention and early detection were central to the panel’s recommendations. Workplaces are essential environments for health education and routine screening, particularly for breast cancer, where early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and enables smoother return-to-work transitions.
Dr Ang Choon Seong, Medical Oncologist at Sarawak General Hospital, emphasised:
“Early detection is key. If you detect breast cancer early, you have more options, better survival, and a better quality of life.”
New tools — including continuous glucose monitors, digital applications, and advanced therapies such as GLP-1 and GIP agonists — are reshaping diabetes and obesity management, supporting employees in managing their conditions more effectively.
Binh Thai, General Manager at Zuellig Pharma, added:
“There is a lot of innovation coming down the pipeline — apps, continuous glucose monitors, and new therapies are equipping employees to better manage their conditions and stay productive.”
Medical Innovations and the Role of Analytics
Analytics is becoming increasingly central to informing employer investment in wellbeing programmes. Andy Rallis, Executive Leader, Human Capital Analytics at Aon, presented insights from a United States workforce analytics study demonstrating the measurable benefits of early diabetes management using advanced medications. Using anonymised claims data and rigorous control-group matching, the study showed improved health outcomes and potential cost savings — underscoring how analytics can guide strategic wellbeing decisions.
Creating a Supportive Workplace
Returning to work after a chronic illness — particularly breast cancer — demands sensitivity and tailored support. Our panellists emphasised open communication, flexibility, and respect for individual preferences.
- Key recommendations included:
- Safeguard privacy and confidentiality
- Offer flexible working arrangements
- Provide access to support services
- Promote a caring and inclusive culture
- Share recovery stories to reduce stigma
As Susan Fanning noted:
“Supporting employees with chronic conditions means addressing physical, emotional, social, and professional wellbeing.”
Strategic Takeaways
Wellbeing is not a ‘nice to have’ — it is a business imperative. Leading employers across APAC are embedding wellbeing as a core cost-mitigation strategy and a driver of workforce resilience.
At Aon, we see prevention, early intervention, health analytics, and medical innovation as essential levers to boost productivity, avoid costly treatments, and help create workplace cultures where employees can thrive.
What Can Organisations Do Next?
- Implement regular screenings and raise awareness of chronic conditions
- Invest in health analytics to measure impact and guide future initiatives
- Support healthy lifestyle, weight management, and mental health programmes
- Equip managers to hold sensitive conversations and offer appropriate support
- Share recovery and success stories to dispel stigma and encourage early help-seeking
By investing in prevention, wellbeing programmes, and flexible support, organisations can respond effectively to immediate health concerns — and build long-term workforce resilience.
Ready to build a resilient workplace?
Contact Susan Fanning, Head of Wellbeing Solutions, APAC. for expert guidance or explore our latest insights in the Aon Global Medical Trends Report.