When an acute or chronic health issue disrupts our work life, how do we let our bosses and co workers know? And as managers, how do you best support employee who discloses a diagnosis? These questions hit home for the show team when marine hoke told us she was scheduled for surgery to remove a mass on her uteris. She had ndemetriosis, and her doctor needed to check for cancer. Marine wasn't just dealing with the uncertainty of what was ahead, she was also struggling with what and how to tell people at work about her health.
When an acute or chronic health issue disrupts our work life, how do we let our bosses and coworkers know? How vulnerable should we be? And, as managers, how do we best support an employee who discloses a diagnosis? We talk with two women who’ve had to consider these questions while navigating illnesses, and they share advice on disclosing and discussing health issues with colleagues.
Guests:
Maureen Hoch is the editor of HBR.org and the supervising editor of Women at Work.
Laurie Edwards is a writer, a writing instructor at Northeastern University, and an advocate for people with chronic illnesses. Her books are Life Disrupted and In the Kingdom of the Sick.
Resources: