When you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, it helps to have an understanding employer supporting you. Here is a story of Michelle Smith and the support she received from PMG Funds.
Last October Michelle Smith of Tauranga was waiting for her biopsy results when she read a focus article about three breast cancer survivors. Little did she know she was about to start her own journey.
“My news was not good, but it had been caught early and I was just about to have everything thrown at it! I was working full time as a graphic designer but from that day forward I just disappeared from the office as I began a conveyer belt of appointments. Then came several operations, six months of chemo, radiation therapy, and now hormone treatment.”
She said from the time of her diagnosis, her employer, PMG Funds, went above and beyond in their support for her.
“Right from the start they rode all the ups and downs with me, and immediately set up support systems and allayed my fears about not being able to work. It was a huge relief because I could just focus on the process in front of me without getting stressed about letting them down.”
Michelle was on full pay for three months and then worked on an hourly rate when she could. Even now, post-treatment, her employers have prioritised her recovery by allowing her to work flexi-time – a godsend when there are still plenty of appointments to attend. Support also included home- baking, My Food Bag deliveries, paid counselling services and many home visits and shoulders to cry on.
“They’ve just been amazing and I want to show other companies what can be done to support team members in a major time of need.”
Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Allay fears and concerns about the employee’s role and put in place support systems, like a gate-keeper to manage communication flow.
2. Consider offering flexi-time, remote working, reduced hours or job-sharing schemes so your employee can attend appointments and treatments without feeling guilty.
3. Educate yourself and team members on treatment side effects. Exhaustion, forgetfulness, moodiness, brain fog and nausea are just some of the things she may have to contend with.
Featured image by rawpixel.com / Freepik
