Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event, and it can have a significant impact on an employee's work life. As a manager, it is important to be supportive and understanding during this difficult time. Here are some tips on how to support an employee who has been diagnosed with cancer:
- Listen without judgement. When an employee tells you they have cancer, the most important thing you can do is listen. Don't offer advice or try to fix things. Just listen to them and let them know that you are there for them.
- Offer flexibility. Cancer treatment can be very disruptive to a person's life, so it is important to be flexible with your employee's work schedule. This may mean allowing them to work from home, take time off for medical appointments, or have a flexible start and end time.
- Acknowledge the challenges. Cancer is a challenging disease, and it is important to acknowledge the challenges that your employee is facing. Let them know that you understand that they may be going through a lot, and that you are there to support them.
- Encourage them to take care of themselves. Cancer treatment can be very tiring, so it is important to encourage your employee to take care of themselves. This may mean reminding them to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise if they can.
- Provide resources. There are many resources available to help people with cancer, such as support groups, and financial assistance. Let your employee know about these resources and any employee benefits or company policies that could help them.
- Be patient and understanding. Cancer is a long and difficult journey, so it is important to be patient and understanding with your employee. There will be good days and bad days, and it is important to be there for them no matter what.
By following these tips, you can show your employee that you care and that you are there to support them during this difficult time.
Here are some additional things you can do to support your employee:
- Be understanding of productivity decreases.
- Offer to help them with their workload or find someone to cover their shifts.
- Let them know that you are there for them if they need to talk or vent.
- Encourage them to take care of themselves physically and emotionally.
- Refer them to cancer support groups or other resources.
Remember, everyone experiences cancer differently. The most important thing is to be there for your employee, and offer them the support they need.
If you need help to support employees through cancer, speak to our expert team
