How Work Stride can help managers support their reports dealing with cancer

At least one in three adults in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime, a statistic which means that many people may face a cancer diagnosis or need to care for a loved one with cancer while working. The Johns Hopkins Work Stride program is a free benefit for employees and managers to help those who want to be proactive in preventing cancer and for those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis or caring for someone with cancer. It also is a resource for leaders to learn how to best support employees through a cancer journey. Here's what you, as a manager, should know.

Nurse navigators

Nurse navigators are oncology nurses who will educate employees with a cancer diagnosis to ensure that they receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time. Employees—and their families—are provided with advice, navigation, and tools to optimize their ability to make appropriate decisions about care, work life, and family during this difficult time.

In addition, nurse navigators educate and train managers about the impact on their employee of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.

They also provide employees with support in establishing prevention and post-care surveillance programs.

Manager resources

The Work Stride program was designed to support employees in all aspects of a cancer journey, including work-related issues, whether they or a loved one is the patient. Here are two important steps managers can take to help their reports:

• Watch the Work Stride Manager Training.
• Familiarize yourself with the Work Stride: Cancer Prevention, Navigation, and Support website, which provides comprehensive information and videos for employees, covering topics such as types of cancer, screening, prevention, and caregiver education. A separate tab on the website is available for managers, offering guidance and resources for supporting and managing employees who have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer.

Have questions about how you can support your employees with a cancer diagnosis? Contact the Work Stride oncology nurse navigator at 844-446-6229 or managecancer@jh.edu.

For information on the many benefits and resources available to support you holistically in your wellness journey, visit the JHU Healthy at Hopkins website. Questions can be directed to wellnessprograms@jhu.edu.