Informing Your Employer About Your Cancer Diagnosis

Telling your employer about your cancer diagnosis can feel daunting. Maintaining your privacy is important, but eventually, it may benefit you to talk to your employer about the journey you are facing and how it may affect your time at work.

If you are hesitant to tell your employer, it’s important to remember that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medicine Leave Act (FMLA) only protect you if you disclose your diagnosis. Furthermore, your manager or boss may need to speak with upper-management or Human Resources in order for you to have access to all necessary policies, benefits, etc. Your manager can hopefully provide you with the accommodations that you need during your cancer journey.

Before meeting your employer, consider a few things:

  • Decide what information you are willing to share.
  • Be prepared to discuss your treatment schedule and how possible side effects might impact your time at work.
  • Write down your expectations for taking time off and/or working from home if necessary.
  • Be honest about the information that you do not know. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure, but I hope to know more soon.”
  • Set a positive tone if possible.
  • Record notes about your conversation including who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed.

When meeting with your manager or HR department, consider the following:

  • Attain a copy of your company’s sick leave policy.
  • Ask what forms need to be completed regarding your condition.
  • Ask about employee financial assistance programs.
  • Ask about FMLA hours and how to apply for assistance.
  • Ask about company support groups.

Hopefully meeting with your employer will feel like a burden is lifted off of your shoulders. Keep in mind also, that it may be beneficial to establish a system of providing routine updates to your manager as your treatments progress. Sharing updates along the way can be helpful for your co-workers as well.

For more information, see the following resources:

https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start/sharing-the-news/who-to-tell

https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/do-i-tell-anyone-i-have-cancer/tips-for-talking-with-your-employer-and-your-workplace-rights


published: March 11, 2020, 12:25 p.m.

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