Our most recent Balancing Work & Cancer webinar, which took place on Wednesday, February 7th, focused on the various considerations for working from home. What was once dismissed by many has now gained widespread acceptance among employers of all sizes and industries worldwide. This transition has been particularly advantageous for individuals managing work after a cancer diagnosis, as they seek greater flexibility in their schedules, reserve energy for work, or embrace the many other benefits of working from home.

The Balancing Remote Work & Cancer webinar provided comprehensive insights into the dynamics of balancing remote work and cancer, addressing both its advantages and challenges while offering practical strategies for navigating this increasingly prevalent work arrangement. Session highlights included:

• Attitudes towards remote work: Even prior to the pandemic, remote work was steadily gaining acceptance and prevalence over the past decade. While many organizations that transitioned to remote work in 2020 have since returned to the office, the popularity of remote work has endured, with 35% of employees reporting the ability to work remotely full-time and 23% able to work from home part-time in a 2022 McKinsey report.
• The challenges of remote work: Remote work does not suit everyone equally, with some individuals struggling with social isolation and loneliness. Strategies for mitigating these challenges include participating in social activities or hobbies to interact with others outside of work, making time to connect with colleagues before meetings, and prioritizing self-care activities such as walking, meditating, or enjoying personal interests. Effective communication practices, regular check-ins with supervisors or teams, setting boundaries, and navigating disclosure concerns are also crucial for success.
• Strategies for negotiating remote work arrangements: Have a plan ready. When requesting permission to work remotely, present a well-structured proposal outlining the benefits of remote work and strategies for maintaining productivity that takes all parties into account. Understanding and accommodating the employer's needs while demonstrating the ability to fulfill job responsibilities remotely are key factors for success in negotiating remote work agreements.
• Tips for finding remote job opportunities: Job seekers can utilize popular job boards to filter for remote positions. While prior remote work experience is not mandatory, highlighting relevant experience in job titles, descriptions, and skills sections can help you stand out. 

You can check out a recording of this webinar on our Balancing Work and Cancer videos page. 

For more information on remote work, check out our Balancing Remote Work and Cancer Survival Guide which can be downloaded for free as a PDF, or order a physical copy here. You can also visit the remote work section of our website here.