On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Workers Fighting Serious Health Issues Need Support of Co-Workers, Bosses

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Workers Fighting Serious Health Issues Need Support of Co-Workers, Bosses I've done hundreds and hundreds of interviews over more than 20 years as a journalist, but the ones that I remember most are with people who are facing enormous challenges in their lives, but who somehow manage to get up every day and go to work.But let me be clear here: I'm not just talking about the person who puts up with annoying co-workers or bully bosses. I'm talking about the folks who face daunting physical challenges, such as life-threatening diseases, and still remain committed to doing their job.One of those interviews was with a woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was funny, insightful and smart. She provided these suggestions on how you can help the person at work who may be facing such a challenge, including: Asking how you can help. There are a lot of fears when you have cancer or another serious disease. You wonder how youre going to get through treatments, how youre going to keep your job and when youre going to get back to normal. If youre wo rking with someone going through it, reassure the person youre there to help, whether its with a project at work or making them lunch. Tell them theyre still a valuable person at work. Dont be an armchair physician. While it's nice of you to care, inundating someone with articles and books about a disease such as cancer is overhelming, and possibly dangerous in some cases. Offer to help with research if the person wants, but its really uncomfortable for the person to have to deal with something he or she does not want. Pay attention. Those undergoing cancer treatment or coping with other diseases may get exhausted suddenly. When you see the person start to become tired, offer to cover for them and let them rest for a while, resuming when they feel better. Be reassuring. If youre in a management position, assure the employee that its OK if he or she is not in top form. Tell the employee that he or she is valued and that the persons job will be there tomorrow. O ne of the greatest fears for those fighting a health problem is that they may not be thinking clearly and they're worried they cant do their job. The boss telling you its going to be OK and you wont lose your job is really helpful. del.icio.us