WHAT TO DO IF YOU RETURN TO WORK AND DON’T COPE It can be hard to know what to do when you aren’t coping. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but, if possible, try to reduce your workload rather than stopping work altogether—as you may find it more difficult to return in the future. Consider scaling back to manageable duties or modify your work days, hours or location. If you feel that you’re not coping, the best thing to do is to speak up and not struggle through. Let your manager or direct supervisor know, or perhaps your staff health and wellbeing team if you have one and ask to adjust your return to work program. ACCESS EXTRA HELP TO BECOME WORK READY Everyone’s needs vary after treatment. If you’re struggling physically or mentally, consider seeking help from relevant specialists before or after you go back to work. Speak to your GP as soon as possible for help with accessing: • A n exercise physiologist to help with structured exercise that can improve your physical and mental wellbeing and help to counteract fatigue • A physiotherapist to help prevent or manage lymphoedema • A psychologist to support your emotional wellbeing. Speak to your employer for help with accessing: • Y our workplace staff health and wellbeing team for additional support • A n occupational therapist to undertake a workplace assessment to make sure you have the capacity to perform your duties • A rehabilitation specialist or occupational physician to identify what capacity you have to undertake your duties. You might also consider getting in touch with your people and culture team, superannuation insurer and/ or income protection insurer to see what other assistance and services you may be entitled to.
TIPS TO HELP YOU RETURN TO WORK
• Try to remain connected with your employer and colleagues while you’re not working. • Establish any reduced duties in a formal return to work plan and review it with your employer regularly. • Consider flexible/part-time work arrangements. • Notify your employer in advance of any leave you may need to take. • To assist with memory and concentration, take notes, write lists and use a calendar or diary regularly. • Keep a diary of meetings, tasks and important conversations with your manager. • Reach out to your GP, workplace people and culture team and superannuation insurers to see what other services are available to help you. • Access your organisation’s employee assistance program if it offers one. These programs provide free, short-term counselling and emotional support to employees. For more information about the financial implications of a breast cancer diagnosis, view BCNA’s Managing the financial impacts factsheet.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
BCNA’S MY JOURNEY
HOLISTIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM: BEYOND CANCER PODCAST: WORK AFTER BREAST CANCER: TACKLING THE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS WEBINAR: WORKING WELL WITH CANCER WITH JO LEWIS ASK THE EXPERT: MANAGING COGNITIVE CHANGES RELATED TO BREAST CANCER TREATMENTS WITH JO LEWIS
bcna.org.au
Issue 93 | December 2022
7
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online