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| Tips for Employees With Cancer |
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It is important to figure out how you will continue to work while undergoing treatment. Learn to manage your time effectively with these tips:
- Plan treatments late in the day or right before the weekend to allow time to recuperate.
- Explore work options such as occasional telecommuting to eliminate a tiresome commute and provide a more comfortable work atmosphere.
- Maximize work time with a simple work schedule. Daily chores and administrative duties may be tasks that can be divided among friends and co-workers.
- Unless there is an overriding reason not to, let coworkers know about your situation - they can be an invaluable source of support.
Developing Strategies to Protect Your Rights
According to David S. Landay, author of Be Prepared -- The Essential Guide for Living With a Life-Challenging Condition, while you are protected at work by law, it is also prudent to find out how your work setting treats people living with cancer. Seek out a mentor, someone who knows the company culture or who has had cancer to help you set a practical strategy.
For example, you may decide it’s preferable to wait before telling about your illness if you are expecting a raise in the near future. It’s almost impossible to prove the amount of a raise or bonus you would have received, were it not for your diagnosis. Seek a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor and state a strong desire to keep working. Give details about your treatment and the work hours it may require to supervisors and co-workers, so you can work together to set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that what you tell your boss is protected information, but what you tell your co- workers is not protected.
Landay also suggests keeping a daily log. Write in it what happens at work that demonstrates how well you can do your job and positive things people say about your work. Include how your condition or treatment affects your job in case you will need an accommodation or want to take a disability leave.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you should first learn as much as possible about the company’s attitude, track record, and grievance procedures. Such procedures are a method to communicate concerns and seek positive solutions. This is important because it may help to avoid a confrontational situation, which could be draining both financially and physically.
For practical suggestions, Landay also suggests contacting an attorney who is an expert in the field, to advise you of deadlines and procedures for taking action in case you eventually have to seek legal recourse. Learn about state and federal laws, especially the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which may provide you with certain legal protections. Sometimes attempts to negotiate fail and a lawsuit is necessary. It helps if you learn about the legal process before taking action. Get information on time limits for filing suits, potential costs and possible outcomes.
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