Why MTC?

When cancer strikes it turns many lives upside down––from the person who is diagnosed to those in a position to support them.  For the person with cancer, it is a time of tremendous uncertainty and upheaval in many aspects of their lives, especially their careers. As their work Manager, you may be seen as an authority on the situation, regardless of your experience or comfort level. An employee may confide in you, asking you professional questions about company protocol, or solicit your personal advice about whom else they should tell. It may come naturally to have empathy and concern for the employee, however it is not always clear how to translate those feelings into the tangible help and direct support that the employee will need.

As an employer, your support can take different forms. You may be asked to become a confidante, or a navigator of red tape who learns how to troubleshoot the insurance maze. You could serve as a committed advocate and career “lifeline” who continues to connect the employee to professional development opportunities, as well as a creative problem solver who provides work flexibility without compromising the overall productivity of the work team. Depending on the culture of your company, you may even become a policy trailblazer. Whatever role you choose, you will have a tremendous effect, on your employee’s ability to work and to heal.

The effects of cancer on the work world are complex. The Managing Through Cancer program was designed to provide clear direction and intelligent resources to those who support employees in the workplace—Employers, Managers, and HR professionals. From information about cancer treatment, to tips on what to say, to templates for implementing flexible work arrangements, the Managing Through Cancer Program arms you with the information and hands-on solutions to provide effective support when it is needed the most. The program also provides a set of principles that can serve as a company’s commitment to support employees with cancer, company-wide.