As an employer or colleague, it can be hard to know what to say, how to help or the best way to provide a supportive workplace for people affected by cancer.
Workplaces are an important source of support, identity and purpose, and many people diagnosed with cancer continue working throughout their treatment and recovery.
Others may have to stop working due their diagnosis, treatment and side effects, while carers, family and friends may have to change their working hours and environment to support their loved one.
Workplace series - a guide for managers and human resource professionals
We have developed a series of fact sheets to help make working, and the transition to returning to work, easier for employees, their colleagues and employers.
We hope they assist managers and human resource professionals to provide a fair and supportive workplace for workers with cancer, in remission, or who care for someone with cancer.
Please download and distribute the information below as you need. You may wish to link to this page or place these resources on your company intranet for easy access. For more support or if you have any questions, contact our trusted cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
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Resources to support employees affected by cancer
Cancer: an overview
Cancer: an overview
Learn about what cancer is, the risk factors and current treatments.
Download now Cancer myths and facts
Cancer myths and facts
Learn about the common misconceptions about cancer that might be relevant in the workplace.
Download now Talking to your employee about cancer
Talking to your employee about cancer
Learn about how to approach your first conversation with an employee about their cancer.
Download now Managing the effects of treatment
Managing the effects of treatment
Learn about the possible effects of cancer treatment on an employee’s ability to work.
Download now Creating cancer-friendly workplaces
Creating cancer-friendly workplaces
Learn about supporting employees with cancer and carers to work during and after treatment.
Download now Supporting a colleague with cancer
Supporting a colleague with cancer
Learn how to be supportive of your colleague after a cancer diagnosis.
Download now Supporting working carers
Supporting working carers
Learn how to help your employees manage working and caring.
Download now Death and bereavement
Death and bereavement
Learn how to deal with death and bereavement in your team as a manager.
Download now Cancer in the workplace: other support
Cancer in the workplace: other support
Learn about support services for people with cancer, their carers, family, friends and co-workers.
Download now
Page last updated:
This webpage includes our Workplace Series - A guide for managers and human resource professionals (2019 edition). This webpage was last updated in June 2022.