The various ways that health and work intersect is an issue that has been brought to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting many companies to re-evaluate how they would support and manage employees who are diagnosed with a serious illness, not just COVID-19.

Lattice Magazine recently interviewed CAC Executive Director, Rebecca V. Nellis, to get her perspective on how employers can implement more supportive policies and practices, since continuing to work is a priority for people with health challenges. “A common misconception is that people who have a serious illness do not want to work — the results of a 2019 online survey commissioned by Cancer and Careers and administered by Harris Poll show otherwise. Seventy-five percent of survey respondents said working through treatment helps or had helped them cope” she stated.

Figuring out ways to be more flexible, adaptable and compassionate to those trying to balance work and serious health conditions are key starting points.

To learn more about supporting people with serious illnesses at work, click here.