INTERACTING WITH ILL CO-WORKERS BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES INC.

FACTS TO KNOW ILL employees want their lives to be as normal as possible Privacy for each employee is key Understand the term “terminal illness,” “life-threatening,” or “limited living” Listening is the most important skill for Co-Workers 76 % of employees would continue to work even if they had 13 days to live 76 % of employees would continue to work even if they had 13 days to live

OBJECTIVES  Coexisting with ill employees who  continue to work  are out of workplace  Tips for dealing with ill co-workers  Handling the return-to-work transition

EMPLOYEES WHO CONTINUE TO WORK Determine how much information employee feels comfortable sharing with you Be open to communication but respectful of privacy Decide what your level of comfort is when dealing with an ill employee Include the employee as you always have Use your EAP for your own support

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH ILL CO-WORKERS Manage conversations with the ill co-worker with confidentiality. Encourage them to share questions or concerns to help them feel included. Show appreciation for co-workers who must pick up some extra work – be supportive to the whole team – “Go the extra mile” Handle difficult conversations with sensitivity

EMPLOYEES WHO LEAVE WORK ✔ Know whether it is ok to call them at home or not and do not take advantage if they say yes. ✔ Work can be therapeutic and helpful – support the idea they can work from home even if it means more work for you at times.

HANDLING RETURN TO WORK TRANSITION Allow “ample” time when the employee returns after surgery or treatment Anticipate and allow form some setbacks Be prepared that they may look or be physically different Humor – let the ill person use humor at their own discretion