Today is World Cancer Day – a day that unites people, communities, and entire countries to raise awareness and take action. Cancer is a global challenge. In 2015, there were an estimated 890,000 people of working age living with cancer in the UK. This is set to increase to 1,150,000 by 2030.
If your partner, family member, friend, or colleague has cancer, there can be a lot to think about. Managers and employers play an important role in supporting people with cancer and their carers. This includes making reasonable adjustments to help them stay in or return to work when they are ready and able. When exploring making reasonable adjustments to the workplace or working pattern, your employee should be fully consulted and involved in the process.
We as a company have experienced first-hand the effects this has on both our colleague going through this and the rest of the wider team. We would encourage other employers facing similar circumstances to support, encourage and listen to one another.
Some further simple first steps to support your employee could be to:
- talk to your employee to understand their needs
- provide training for managers
- check your policies are up to date
- educate employees
- raise awareness of cancer.