Manchester, England – 4th February is World Cancer Day. A day to raise awareness about cancer, encourage prevention and promote early detection and treatment. Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO at Health Assured, the UK and Ireland’s largest EAP provider, says “Returning to work for the first time following treatment for cancer can be daunting, so it’s vital to have support in place to help people feel comfortable and ready to get back into work.”
“Being diagnosed with cancer is a shock; life as the person knows it changes in the blink of an eye. Suddenly days are full of medical appointments, gruelling treatment, difficult conversations with loved ones and peers, while anxiously awaiting news. Some people work throughout this time while others will take an extended amount of time off to recuperate.
“The last thing anyone wants to worry about at this difficult time is job security, so it’s vital that employers provide proper support if an employee is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, so there are certain protections for employees from the moment of diagnosis for the rest of their life, even when they’ve completed treatment and are clear of the disease. Failure to ensure that employees are properly supported when returning to work after cancer treatment could land you in an employment tribunal.
“Hold a return-to-work meeting to find out what the employee is and isn’t able to do, identify any adjustments that need to be made to their role or working environment, and update them on any changes that have happened in the business while they’ve been away, so they don’t feel lost or out of the loop. It’s important to remember that some forms of cancer treatment can leave people more vulnerable to infection or illness.
“Review your existing policies and procedures to ensure they’re fit for purpose, making any adjustments necessary. Don’t assume what someone needs and don’t take a blanket approach; what works for one person may not for another. Make sure to consult with each employee to see what will be best for them and their needs.
“To help make the transition back to the workplace as easy as possible, schedule regular check-ins. Make sure they are not taking too much too quickly, and ensure the workload is manageable.
“While most people will be keen to get back to their daily lives as quickly as possible, this is likely to be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming time. Use these regular catchup meetings to make sure everything is ok and help minimise any risks to their continued recovery.
“As well as the draining physical effects, the mental toll that cancer takes on people should not be underestimated. These can often be longer-lasting and more difficult than the physical effects.
“Having an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in place to offer professional mental support can help, and it can also offer support to the wider family; an important consideration given the complicated nature of a cancer diagnosis.”
