Supporting An Employee With Cancer
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and life-changing experience for anyone. During such a challenging time, the support and understanding of the workplace is crucial. As our ProcessWorx team have found recently when one of our beloved own team members, Sara Harris – Senior HR Consultant, received her devastating cancer diagnosis. As she continues to undergo treatment and recovery, our whole team have been navigating supporting Sara as best we can through this difficult journey.
Support as an Employer
- Establish a Compassionate and Supportive Environment
An established culture of empathy and understanding through fostering an inclusive workplace environment is vital. This can be achieved through awareness programs, and initiatives that educate employees about cancer and its impact. Participation in charitable events such as World’s Greatest Shave, HBF Fun Run for a Reason, Biggest Morning Tea, RUOK Day, National Pyjama Day, and Purple Bra Day are just a few examples ProcessWorx regular engages in to create a safe space to discuss these matters.
- By promoting open communication and reducing stigma, you can encourage employees to feel comfortable discussing these matters.
- Send a heartfelt message or card expressing your support and letting them know you’re there for them.
- Send periodic thoughtful messages, cards or small gifts to uplift their spirits and expressing your support and encouragement.
- Maintain Confidentiality and Privacy
Respecting an employee’s privacy is paramount when dealing with sensitive health information. For instance, a general announcement about the employee being on extended leave, reduced availability, and/or reduced workload may be appropriate as long as the employee has provided consent to do so.
- Ask the employee what they are comfortable to share about diagnosis and working arrangements to colleagues and/or clients.
- Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Cancer treatments often involve multiple medical appointments and varying energy levels. Do not assume you know about their capacity as this will vary over the course of treatments and recovery. They may need to be on extended or regular leave, or they may wish to continue to work more flexibly. Regularly ask your employee and adjust as needed. Being open to flexible work arrangements such as reduced hours, remote work options, or adjusted schedules as and when needed can help employees manage their treatment plans, medical appointments, and recovery, while still contributing to their work responsibilities.
- Implement a Return-To-Work Program (RTWP)
After treatment or a period of extended leave, help employees transition back into the workplace through a well-designed RTWP. This may involve phased reintegration, modified duties, and ongoing communication to assess the employee’s needs and ensure a smooth transition.
- Regular check-ins and adjustments can help ease the employee’s re-entry into their role.
- Offer to help with workload by taking on certain tasks or collaborating on projects to lighten their load.
- Provide Emotional and Mental Health Support
Cancer can take a toll on an employee’s emotional well-being. Promoting mental health about available resources such as your Employee Assistance Program, external support groups, and counselling services can be valuable in helping employees access the support they need and cope with the emotional challenges they may face.
- Encouraging a supportive work environment can also be beneficial.
- Include them in team activities, events and meetings, ensuring they still feel connected and part of the workplace community.
- Engage in conversations unrelated to their diagnosis, allowing them to feel valued and recognized for their expertise and contributions.
- Celebrate milestones or achievements in their cancer journey, such as completing a round of treatment or reaching a recovery milestone.
Remember, each individual’s needs and preferences may vary, so it’s essential to communicate openly and ask how you can best support them during this time.
Additionally, each employee’s relationship with each one another is different, so acknowledgement and respect of each employee’s comfort and engagement readiness will differ, and this is okay.
Your genuine care and support can make a significant difference in not only the employee’s cancer journey but also their families, colleagues, and clients.
