Cancer survivors report and research shows that good relationships in the workplace are very important in helping with the return to work process. Good relationships can promote emotional and task-related support from co-workers, managers or supervisors. This support can help survivors negotiate the flexibility that they may need to stay at work successfully. You can encourage your patient to cultivate and maintain this support by encouraging them to stay in contact with their manager or supervisor and co-workers. Here are some ideas for patients on staying connected:
- Attend holiday parties or summer barbeques
- Go for lunch or coffee with co-workers
- Keep the supervisor or manager up to date
- Say that they are looking forward to and planning on coming back to work
You may want to talk about whether and how your patient wants to stay connected with co-workers, their supervisor or manager and other staff at work.
If your patient anticipates difficulties getting the supports they may need at work or faces interpersonal difficulties in the workplace, consider encouraging them to access:
- a human resources professional, return to work coordinator, disability management professional, occupational health nurse/advisor or union representative at work
- an employee assistance counsellor
- counselling, vocational and rehabilitation support with healthcare
- counselling or vocational support in the community
- a vocational counselling support provided by an insurance provider
