How To Tell Your Employer You Have Cancer
Cancer confronts millions upon millions of people each year, and one of the challenges that people face after a cancer diagnosis may be how to tell their employers. VideoJug offers a step-by-step guide to letting your employer know about your cancer diagnosis, and how to adapt your career to accommodate cancer treatment and recovery.
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Step 1:
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Manage Yourself
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Don't talk to your employer until you are out of the denial stage about your cancer or until you have emotionally come to terms with your disease.
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Step 2:
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Have Your Facts Straight
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Learn as much as you can about the kind of cancer you have so you will know exactly how much time you will need off or how it will affect your mental and physical functioning.
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Step 3:
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Corporate Strategy
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Figure out ways the company can continue to be productive during your absence.
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Step 4:
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Present Your Case
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Schedule a Friday afternoon meeting with your employer to tell him/her that you have cancer. It's an emotional subject and it's a good idea to have the weekend to recover.
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Tell your employer about your cancer in a matter of fact way. You should not feel as though you have to elicit sympathy from your employer.
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Step 5:
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Office Gossip
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Ask your employer to keep your cancer diagnosis a secret because it could become a source of gossip about you in the office. It's best if you tell your co-workers as you feel comfortable.
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Step 6:
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Know Your Rights
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Be aware of your legal rights. You can not be discriminated against because of your cancer.
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Step 7:
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Reinforce The Positive
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If your employer reacts to your diagnosis in a positive way, be sure to show your gratitude. It's a difficult and challenging time for everyone.
