Managing Cancer in the Workplace

Managing employees who are diagnosed with Cancer in the workplace need to have the support of their line managers and the HR department. However many employers and line managers find it difficult to have these sensitive conversations.

It is essential for your organisation to have in place HR policies and procedures to deal with situations that arise when an employee tells you, as their employer or line manager that they have been diagnosed with Cancer.

Many employees need to have sensitive conversations with their line managers to discuss their options based around work and how the business can support them during their time of treatment.

If you are faced with this difficult situation as a line manager then you should consider the following:

Be sensitive – individuals have different cancer experiences.

Listen to your employee –  ask questions and do not judge.

Check your HR guidelines and Policies to support your employee.

Understand cancer is a defined disability – get advice from HR or an HR consultant.

Respect your employees privacy.

Be aware the impact that an employees cancer diagnosis may have on the wider team.

If you have an HR Manager consult with them about your organisations policy regarding workplace financial entitlements.

Do not forget employees looking after someone with cancer will need your support too.

When an employee needs to take time off work, get together to discuss a return to work plan.

For HR and Training advice contact dimension88.co.uk

For further information about cancer contact Macmillan Cancer Support.

Visit macmillan.org.uk