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Key points
- If you don't know what to say to a co-worker with cancer, that's OK.
- Understand that a co-worker may not want to talk about their cancer.
- Take cues from a co-worker on how much they want to share.
Did you see this incredible Super Bowl ad? If you haven’t, I encourage you to take two minutes to watch it. “Monday" highlights the role of a supportive work environment in a cancer survivor’s journey. Sponsored by one of the world’s most powerful CEOs, companies like Walmart and Bank of America have signed the #workingwithcancer pledge to support cancer survivors returning to work. As cancer becomes more common — one in eight Americans is a survivor — we will all experience cancer in a co-worker if we have not already. What the ad makes clear is how important it is for survivors to feel supported at work, but many of us may not know how.
First, know that most cancer survivors want to return to work and view returning to work as an important indicator of resuming their “normal” lives. In addition to providing financial benefits like income and health insurance, cancer survivors feel work provides an important distraction from their health issues, and co-workers provide important social support. It can be hard, however, to know what to say. Cancer and Careers suggest using one of these five phrases if you aren’t sure:
- I’m sorry that you’re going through this.
- If you need to talk, I’m here for you.
- We’ll figure out what we need to do together.
- Tell me what we can do to make your workload more manageable.
- Let’s talk regularly to see how you’re doing.
Survivors may also want to escape the "cancer survivor" label at work, so don’t be surprised if they don’t want to talk about their treatment. Take your cues from them on how much they want to talk. Consider sharing a funny video or catching them up on the latest office drama they missed while they were out. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know what to do or say. Try saying, “I’m not sure this is the right thing to do, but I would like to...” And accept their “No, thank you’s” with grace. Don’t torture someone with your help.
If you are in a supervisory role, familiarize yourself with the cancer survivor’s current and expected limitations. These may range from frequent trips to the bathroom to sitting down to perform their duties with no limitations. Making reasonable accommodations for medical appointments, cognitive changes, or decreased stamina can show a commitment to the employee and may also be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consider weekly check-ins with the cancer survivor to encourage open communication of job expectations and available accommodations.
After cancer treatment, most cancer survivors want to return to work as they reclaim their normal lives. As co-workers, there are easy steps you can take to help ease that transition. Acknowledging their diagnosis but not dwelling on it, listening to their needs, and scheduling regular meetings with the survivor can ensure they have the support they need to succeed.
