Daffodil Day How employers can support workers with cancer

Daffodil Day How employers can support workers with cancer Daffodil Day How employers can support workers with cancerPosted August 23, 2012, by Vivien Luu Did you buy a yellow daffodil today on your way to work? Theyre bright, cheerful flowers that make you smile, and mora importantly, by purchasing one youre helping the fight against cancer. With Daffodil Day upon us, thoughts are firmly fixed on raising enough money to find a cure for cancer. But employers can do much more than that. The NSW Cancer Council is urging Australian employers to create supportive work environments for those battling against cancer, as more of the working bevlkerung is expected to be diagnosed over the next decade. As the population ages, incidence of cancer is expected to continue to rise, Gillian Batt, Director of Cancer Information and Support Services, says. According to the latest statistics released by the NSW Cancer Council, more than 40 per cent of cancer cases occur in people of working age (18-6 5). And over the next 10 years, approximately 7.7 million sick days will be lost to prostate and breast cancer in NSW alone. Ms Batt says many cancer patients want to, and are capable of, working during and after treatment, while others may find it more challenging as treatment affects their working capacity. This does not mean cancer patients cant do a good job, Ms Batt says. She says employers simply need to provide flexible working schedules to help make jobs more manageable for cancer patients and their carers, with the dual benefit being that business productivity remains at an optimal level. Small and practical steps can go a long way and can also boost morale, enhance your organisations reputation and save hiring and training costs, Ms Batt says. The NSW Cancer Council recently consulted employers across a range of industries to produce a resources toolkit to provide employers and managers with information on how to create supportive and flexible workplaces for those dealing with cancer. Tips for employers and managers Here are a few practical things you can provide as an employer to make things a little easier for employees affected by cancer Flexible working arrangements Temporary adjustments to workload Additional leave Access to parking Access to counselling Return-to-work plan Peer support system Promote understanding of cancer among colleagues Ergonomic assessment For more information, visit www.cancercouncil.com.au. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?menschengerecht Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice Administrator CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire Online Vivien LuuViv is a writer who enjoys resea rching and writing about creativity, how the human mind works, and neuro processes. She values creativity above all else and admires people who pursue their career dreams, no matter the sacrifice. In her spare time, she binges on HBO shows and epic fantasy novels.Related ArticlesBrowse moreCoachingCommunity ServicesMaking lives betterAre you a compassionate and nurturing person with a passion for helping people overcome difficult situations? You may find the perfect fit in the helping professions.AccountingWhat is an actuary?An actuary is one of those jobs that youve heard of but youre not quite aya of exactly what it is. Want to know more?StressWork/life balance10 Tips For Managing Your Stress At WorkThe server has crashed, youre filling in for colleagues that are sick with the flu, your boss doesnt seem to have time for your problems and an important deadline is looming. When workplace stress is making you a ticking time bomb, heres what to do.