When an employee is diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood related condition, he or she will undergo an enormous amount of stress. Not only does the diagnosis have an impact on the individual and their families, but it also has an impact on employers and the workplace.
It is important to respond to your employee’s or a carer’s diagnosis carefully and realise that cancer is not necessarily a death sentence and that with recent major medical advances, many people can be cured and live a long life after their diagnosis.
Keeping communication channels open so you and your employees can work together to manage the situation is key. Your support can make a tremendous difference on the cancer journey and recovery.
If your employee continues to work – one option is to consider is Flexible Working Arrangements to allow for treatment and recovery.
Flexibility provides the opportunity for patients or carers to manage work and health appointments/treatment schedules in a way that works for them. This can help them stay connected to work as they face challenging health issues or care for their loved ones that do.
Remember it is a big step for someone returning to work after a blood cancer diagnosis or related condition. They will need some time to settle back in to the working environment, especially as many will have a changed life perspective post diagnosis.