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Coping with Serious Illness in the Workplace

Coping with Serious Illness in the Workplace. Objectives. Common Responses to the Diagnosis of a Serious Illness Practical Strategies to Help Impact on Co-Workers, Friends and Family Members Supportive Resources. Grief Fear Withdrawal Vulnerabillity Helplessness. Anger Pain

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Coping with Serious Illness in the Workplace

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  1. Coping with Serious Illness in the Workplace

  2. Objectives • Common Responses to the Diagnosis of a Serious Illness • Practical Strategies to Help • Impact on Co-Workers, Friends and Family Members • Supportive Resources

  3. Grief Fear Withdrawal Vulnerabillity Helplessness Anger Pain Awkwardness Disbelief Resentment Common Responses

  4. Helpful Things to Say • “I am so sorry to hear about your health.” • “Are you able to get the support you need right now?” • If your colleague is discussing the health issues of a loved one, you might ask, “And how are you doing?” • When you feel speechless you might say, "I am completely without words.” • People know that you cannot always make it better – they just want you to hang in there with them during difficult times.

  5. How You Can Help • Respect your co-worker’s privacy and follow his or her lead. • Let your relationship be your guide. • Be a good listener. • Don’t make your co-worker’s illness the primary topic of conversations. • Maintain a good working relationship. • Offer specific, practical help. • Don’t offer platitudes. • Just be you and try not to worry about whether you are doing or saying things right.

  6. Additional Ways to Help • Gestures that don’t require your co-worker to actively interact – such as food deliveries, gifts, cards, letters. • Create and send an informal office video in which everyone says hello and sends good wishes. • Check with HR to see if you can donate some of your sick or vacation time for your co-worker. • Designate one person to be the office liaison • Organize a blood drive or 5K road race. • Make a donation to related charities.

  7. Impact in the Workplace • Don’t avoid your co-worker. • Seek help if you have trouble coping with your feelings. • Talk privately with your manager if you feel overwhelmed.

  8. Living or Caring for a Family Member with a Serious Illness • Become educated about your loved one’s disease. • Learn how to communicate with healthcare professionals. • Minimize stress where you can. • Manage your time. • Get support for yourself. • Don’t neglect your own needs and feelings. • Feelings of anger, pain, confusion and guilt are all normal. • Don’t expect yourself to be perfect. • Realize your own limitations. • Consider joining a support group. • Don’t try to do everything yourself. Ask for help.

  9. Resources • National Institute of Health http://health.nih.gov/ • American Cancer Society, Inc.http://www.cancer.org/

  10. Let WorkLife4You Make Your Life a Little Easier! Contact WorkLife4You 24/7: 1-877-WL4-NOAA (1-877-954-6622) (TTY 800-873-1322) http://www.worklife4you.com — Look for the Member Login box — Not a registered member yet? Follow the “Start Now” link and enter Registration Code: noaa 10 10

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